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EARLY TIMES ON THE SUSQUEHANNA 



/- 




Mbs. George A. Perkins, at 30 Years of Age. 

Portrait by S. A. Mount, N. A. 



Early Times on 
the Susquehanna 



BY 

Mrs. George A. Perkins 



Fair river, though thus silently you flow, 

On thy green banks once woke the wail of woe. 

Lewers. 



1906 

The Herald Compaxy of Binghamton 

Printers 



<\ 



LIBRARY of CONGRF.SS 
Two Conies Received 

AUG 15 1906 

Copynetii Litiy 
CLASS /f<^ XXc, No. 



Copyright, 1870, 

BY 

Mrs. George A, Perkins 



Copyright, 1906, 

BY 

Mrs. Sarah Perkins Elmer 



SECO]^X.> .EDITION 



The Herald Company of Binghamton 
Printers 



PREFACE 

Frequent inquiries are made for copies of " Early 
Times on the Susquehanna," which is an induce- 
ment to issue another edition, as the first was long 
since exhausted. Year after year interest in- 
creases in the past history of our lovely valley, 
and it is most important to foster with care every 
item of correct information. 

The little volume written by Mrs. George A, 
Perkins (my mother), containing so much which, 
except for her, would have been lost, is sacredly 
preserved. 

The more recent developments of our section of 
country have not been touched upon, but are left 
to the pen of the future historian. The hope is 
cherished that those who have wished for the 
perusal of these pages will welcome the new edi- 
tion as cordially as the first was received by the 
dear friends of a former generation. 

Sakah Perkins Elmer. 



CONTENTS 



PAGE 

Author's Introduction ...... ix 

Sketch of the Life of Mrs. George A. Perkins . xiii 

I. Indians ....... 1 

II. Moravian Missions — Wyalusing . . .13 

III. Connecticut Title . . . . .18 

IV. Queen Esther . . . . . .33 

V. Sullivan's Expedition in 1779 . . .36 

VI. Matthias Hollenback . » . .42 

VII. New Sheshequin . . . . .47 

VIII. Old Sheshequin . . . . .56 

IX. John Shepard . . . . . .58 

X. Claverack ....... 71 

XI. The Collins Murder . . . . .75 

XII, Indian Treaty at Tioga Point . . .79 

XIII. French Town, or Asylum . . . .91 

XIV. Athens Township . . . . .95 
XV. Boundaries . . . . . ■ . 105 

XVI. Distinguished Characters . . . .108 

XVII. Early Inhabitants . . . . .119, 

XVIII. Milltown 138 

XIX. Postoffice and Stages . . . .154 

XX. Shad Fishery ...... 157 

XXI. Troy and Adjacent Towns . . .159 

XXII. Factoryville and Waverly . . .167 



CONTENTS 



CHAPTER 


PAGE 


XXIII. Remarkable Events . . . . 


. 173 


XXIV. Improvements .... 


. 175 


XXV. The Deer Hunt of 1818 . 


. 181 


XXVI. Soldiers 


. 186 


XXVI I. Floods 


. 195 


XXVIII. The Church 


. 200 


XXIX. Mrs. Clement Paine . 


. 210 


Appendix No. I . . ... 


. 255 


Appendix No. II .... . 


. 264 



ILLUSTRATIONS 



Mrs. George A. Perkins . 


Frontispiece 


George A. Perkins .... 


. 


XX 


Memoria^l Tablet .... 


Facing page 


1 


Fort Sullivan ..... 






36 


Judge Obadiah Gore . . 






49 


John Shepard ..... 






58 


Map of Athens Township and Tioga Point 






95 


Map of Tioga Point 






99 


Map ...... 






107 


Colonel John Franklin 






126 


General Henry Welles 






130 


View on the Susquehanna at Athens 






209 


Map ...... 






254 


Zeisberger Preaching to the Indians 






264 



AUTHOR'S INTRODUCTION 

A MEETING of the early settlers of this region was 
held at Athens, Pa., in the Presbyterian church, 
on the 22d of February, 1854. 

The venerable Major Flower, a Kevolutionary 
soldier, and long known as an efficient surveyor, 
was called to the chair, sustained by Hon. Dr. 
Barstow of Nichols, and Hon. H. Williston of 
Athens, as Vice-Presidents. 

Many ancient men, and a large number of the 
descendants of the first settlers were present, and 
were highly entertained by addresses from Dr. 
Barstow, Judge Williston, Hon. Thomas Maxwell 
of Elmira, Judge Avery of Owego, Judge Mc- 
Dowell of Chemung, and others. There were rep- 
resentatives from Owego, Elmira, and the neigh- 
boring towns, some of whom gave historical 
sketches of their respective districts. 

Dr. Barstow opened the meeting, stating the 
object for which they had assembled, and called 
attention to the importance of collecting facts and 
incideijts connected with the early settlement of 
the country. He thought it highly proper that we 
should know the history of the first settlement of 
our country. 

Hon. C. P. Avery, who was called upon, com- 
menced his remarks by exhibiting the original In- 
dian title or conveyance of a tract of land, made 



X AUTHOR'S INTRODUCTION 

by the Indians to Amos Draper, the first white set- 
tler at Owego. This tract was three miles in 
width, and six in length, including the site of the 
present village of Owego. It is written in the Iro- 
quois language, said to be far the most beautiful 
of any Indian language, but now extinct. Judge 
Avery had procured a translation, through a 
learned Seneca Chief,* which he read. It had 
been recently found among some old papers in the 
garret of one of the descendants of Mr. Draper. 

It was passed through the assembly, exciting 
great interest, and was looked upon as a rare and 
valuable curiosity. He proceeded to give a graphic 
history of Owego and the neighboring towns, — 
Nichols, Barton, Berkshire, Candor, and Spencer, 
— from their early settlement by the white people, 
and the names of the Pioneers who first settled 
these places. 

Hon. Thomas Maxwell confined his remarks 
principally to Tioga Point, and cherished a warm 
regard for the village of his birth, and the scenes 
of his early childhood, and while life and health 
were spared, would be ready to contribute to the 
preservation of the history of the first settlement 
of our beautiful valley. 

Judge Williston made a striking comparison be- 
tween the state of the country fifty years ago when 
he was passing down from Broome County to Brad- 
ford, along the valley. Then the improvements 
were comparatively new. There were two skele- 
tons of churches, and two or three school-houses. 
Now the entire distance is covered with villages, 
churches, academies, school-houses, and highly cul- 

* Mr. E. S. Parker. 



AUTHOR'S INTRODUCTION xi 

tivated farms. Judge Williston always showed 
himself the friend of the early Connecticut settler, 
and referred to the Trenton Decree, and the diflft- 
culty of procuring title to the lands, as greatly re- 
tarding the settlement of the country. 

Judge McDowell thought we should visit and 
converse with the few that yet remain of the early 
settlers, and gather all the historical facts about 
early times that could be obtained. He hoped a 
minute and accurate history would soon be 
written. 

Such meetings of the early settlers have doubt- 
less had a salutary influence among the descend- 
ants of the early Pioneers, perpetuating and ce- 
menting the bond of union which originated with 
their fathers in the days of their privations and 
hardships, when their sympathies were mutual. 
The first of these gatherings was held at Elmira in 
1853, the second at Athens, 1854, and the third at 
Owego, 1855. It was affecting to observe how 
rapidly these aged veterans passed away from one 
of the " Old Settlers' meetings," to another. The 
deaths of many familiar friends were reported 
from year to year, and the number has continued 
to diminish rapidly, until it is difficult to find one, 
whose faculties of mind and body are not too much 
impaired to be able to communicate intelligently. 
Hence the embarrassment of furnishing a com- 
plete history. 

At the close of the meeting first mentioned, 
Judge Avery urged it as the duty of some resident 
to write the history of this place and vicinity. 
Fifteen years have passed, and no such looked-for 



xii AUTHOR'S INTRODUCTION 

record has appeared. Having some facilities from 
my late father's papers, in my possession, I pro- 
pose for the benefit of my children and others who 
may feel an interest in the subject to make such 
statements as these documents, together with in- 
formation received from my ancestors, and from 
authors whom I have consulted, and my own per- 
sonal knowledge, may enable me to do. 

I would also gratefully acknowledge the kind- 
ness of friends who have aided me in the work. 

It is natural for the intelligent to wish to learn 
all they can about the history of their ancestors, 
and the place of their own nativity; and if this 
sketch can afford any gratification to the living, or 
be useful to those who may come after, the object 
will be accomplished. 



A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF 
MRS. GEORGE A. PERKINS 

It has been well said that the lives of those only 
should be written who have contributed to the 
well-being of mankind; who have by precept and 
example endeavored to elevate, and influence for 
good, any coming within their reach. Surely 
those who have led lives of devotion to others are 
well worthy of commemoration. Few, if any, have 
lived in as small a degree for personal glory, or 
for self-adulation, as did she whose memory it is 
now our happiness to recall. 

Anna Shepard, daughter of John Shepard, was 
bom in Athens township, November 11, 1799. Her 
father, who had removed from Plainfleld, Conn., 
in 1784, had at this period attained to circum- 
stances of prosperity and comfort; and her in- 
fancy was bright and joyous, until she was five 
years of age, when the greatest calamity that can 
befall a young family suddenly overwhelmed them. 

The mother of this unsuspecting circle was 
thrown from a carriage and the following day 
breathed her last, with the words upon her lips, 
" I am going to the world of Spirits," With pro- 
found grief did the stricken husband, and father 
of the terrified group of seven little children, ex- 
claim, " Was ever sorrow like unto my sorrow." 

This melancholy event doubtless left a deep 



xiv A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF 

and lasting impression upon the child whose 
course we trace to-day. She was represented as 
unusually considerate and thoughtful. Very early 
her affections were placed upon the treasures of 
heaven, where her most precious earthly friend 
had gone, and with the steadfastness of purpose 
which distinguished her through her career, she 
early consecrated her life to the service of God. 
She gave to Him the first fruits, and He granted 
her an abundant harvest. 

We find in the earliest records of this Church 
on the 8th day of July, 1812, when she was 
twelve years of age, the name of Anna Shepard 
with twenty-one others, her father among the num- 
ber. " The members first constituting a Congre- 
gational Church, having individually subscribed 
their names to the articles of faith." She was at 
this time baptized. This step was not taken with 
the thoughtlessness of a child, as we may judge 
by a letter, dated September 12, 1812, written by 
the new and loving mother who had come the year 
previous to gladden this home which had been for 
six long years motherless. She speaks " particu- 
larly of our little Anna Shepard, it is all we can 
ask of a child or any one else to give himself to 
the Sovereign of the universe unfeigned, which I 
have no doubt is the case with her. She is to me a 
charming child and I promise myself great satis- 
faction with her if our lives are spared." 

Not long after this a friend and relative. Miss 
Julia Prentice, visited the family, and being much 
pleased with this interesting little girl, wished her 
to be called for her. Without formality, therefore, 



MRS. GEORGE A. PERKINS xv 

Julia was prefixed to her name, which subse- 
quently was usually written Julia Anna. 

Mr. Sheparcl was extremely anxious for the edu- 
cation of his family, and in their early years 
established a school near his residence where they 
were carefully trained and instructed. In 1814, 
however, an exceptionally fine teacher was en- 
gaged in the person of Mr. Sylvanus Guernsey, 
" a liberally educated young man from Harris- 
burg," and the first school was opened in the 
Athens Academy. Mr, Shepard was one of the 
patrons, and his daughter Anna, who was then 
fourteen years of age, was among the first of those 
who availed themselves of the superior advantages 
of this historical institution of learning. An old 
school friend, an aged clergyman, remarked not 
many years since that she w^as always acknowl- 
edged among her companions even at an early age 
to be intellectual and a conscientious student. 
After two or three years of diligent work, and 
hearing of Miss Pierce's celebrated school at 
Litchfield, Conn., the leading institution of that 
date for young ladies, she became exceedingly 
anxious to avail herself of that opportunity to 
obtain a broader and more thorough education; 
consequently in a letter of November 26, 1817, to 
Miss Pierce, her father makes application for her, 
and speaks of the desire his daughter has for an 
education, and adds, " I have thought proper to 
place her under your tuition, deeming it all im- 
portant to give my children such advantages." 
She evidently prepared for the long journey 
hastily, for a letter from a friend of her father's. 



xvi A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF 

Mr. Jesse Gilbert, of New Haven, written the Jan- 
uary following, says, " Julia Anna and I arrived 
at Litchfield yesterday afternoon in good health 
and found all things agreeable. Left her in fine 
spirits. She boards with a Mrs. Bull, where Mrs. 
Beecher, mother of Dr. Lyman Beecher, and Esther 
Beeeher, his sister, and my particular friend, live; 
who have agreed to send me a line if she should 
be sick, in which case I shall write you, and pay 
every attention as if she were my own daughter." 
This must have been very comforting indeed to a 
father whose child was as far distant in point of 
time, compared with now, as if beyond the seas. 

She was left in good hands. The various mem- 
bers of this celebrated family, who were most at- 
tentive and kind during her stay in Litchfield, were 
always by her borne in grateful and pleasant re- 
membrance. Dr. Lyman Beecher, the leading 
clergyman of the town, was then at the zenith of 
his popularity and power, and the members of his 
family who subsequently became so distinguished 
were interesting young people, her congenial com- 
panions. 

The school was all that it was represented to 
be, yet with these many advantages we may read- 
ily imagine a touch of homesickness when we read 
in a letter from the young school girl so far from 
home to a dear friend, " Were I not as pleasantly 
situated as heart can wish, with the best of friends 
and associates, and my mind engaged and inter- 
ested with my literary pursuits, I should be in- 
clined to think I was forgotten. I will hasten to 
tell you something of Litchfield. It only wants 



MRS. GEORGE A. PERKINS xvii 

the Tioga and Susquehanna rivers to make it the 
most delightful place I have ever seen. The so- 
ciety far exceeds the local situation with all its 
beauty, and there are schools where every science 
may be studied, charitable institutions for the dis- 
semination of knowledge are established, and 
every one appears to be engaged in the instruc- 
tion of the indigent. We have this summer a very 
interesting school; there are about a hundred 
pupils." 

A letter to her parents dated July 25, 1818, 
shows what unusual attainments she had made in 
her spiritual and intellectual life for a girl of her 
years. She wrote, " I am now in my dear little 
chamber, where I spend the most of my time in 
studying and knitting. It is indeed a pleasant 
place, a little out of the bustle of the village, where 
we have a beautiful prospect, and a fine society of 
little girls. I am peculiarly privileged, I acknowl- 
edge, but I feel the want of a warm heart to whom 
to express my gratitude to the bountiful ' Giver of 
every good and perfect gift.' 

" My faithful monitor. Miss Perry, has left, and 
I have no one in the family upon whom I can de- 
pend to reprove me when I err. My conscience 
I hope is not so seared but that it resists the striv- 
ings of the wicked one. How diligently employed 
is the enemy, and how varied his artifices to de- 
ceive the souls of men. 

" I must hasten to tell you that a few days since 
I saw a Christian die. It was Mrs. Beecher, mother 
of the minister. She met death as a welcomed 
guest, like the calm summer sun her spirit gently 



xviii A SKETCH AF THE LIFE OF 

retired to sliine in another world. The house was 
filled with silent tears, but they were not tears of 
grief. How desirable to live the life of the right- 
eous, that we may die his death. Another affect- 
ing and interesting death was that of Mr. Holmes, 
a young man about the age of twenty-two. He 
was preparing for the ministry, studying at An- 
dover. He was taken ill there and obliged to re- 
turn to his home at Litchfield. I never saw a 
more affecting scene than was exhibited on the 
Sabbath when he was buried. Mr. Beecher's text 
was, ' For me to live is Christ, but to die is gain.' 
He showed why it is better to die than to live. 
' First, because there is rest after death if we reach 
Heaven ; secondly, there is no sin in Heaven ; 
thirdly, the society is better, being made up of 
angels and spirits of the just.' He spoke in the 
most energetic and interesting manner to the 
young people. The congregation was generally 
melted to tears. Mr. Holmes was greatly beloved 
and lamented by all. The procession was very sol- 
emn. Four young men of his particular friends, 
dressed in mourning, and eight young ladies, 
dressed in white, followed the bier, and as 
nearly as could be estimated six hundred were 
in the procession." In this letter she sends mes- 
sages to various friends, and says, " tell Flora 
[a colored servant] not to be weary in well doing, 
for in due time she shall reap if she faint not : let 
our services be what they may or if we are ever so 
apparently useless, we can sometimes do much. 
Don't you remember ' The Lion and the Mouse '? 
Our school is very interesting, all united like sis- 



MRS. GEORGE A. PERKINS xix 

ters. To-day we have received religious instruc- 
tion from Miss Pierce. With how much tender- 
ness and affection did she address us. I can never 
extol her too highly; many will undoubtedly arise 
up and call her blessed. When shall we all be a 
flame of love, of love to our Father? How strange 
it is that we should so grovel in the dust. You 
cannot think how much I should love to see you, 
but I enjoy my studies too well to leave them if it 
is possible for me to stay. 

"One question (in class) Mr. Brace could not 
answer was, What is the physical cause of blush- 
ing? Our subject for composition this week is. 
What is the disposition, is it innate or acquired? 
This exceeds my faculties for reasoning. It is more 
than I can answer." 

A few years previous to this there had been a 
great uprising in New England in regard to the 
subject of missions. The saintly Samuel J. Mills 
had prepared for college at the Litchfield Acad- 
emy, and had gone to Williams, where he and his 
few friends had made memorable the locality of 
the hay-stack, and their influence had extended 
over the land, and later was destined to be felt 
over the known world. Judson, Hall, Nott, 
Newell, and Rice had, February 12, 1812, under 
the auspices of the American Board, sailed for 
Calcutta to carry the gospel tidings. This ex- 
ample was followed by five others who sailed for 
Ceylon the following October; two embarked 
for Bombay in the fall of 1817, and four sailed for 
Ceylon soon after. The destitute and ignorant of 
our own country were not neglected; the mission 



XX A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF 

among the Cherokees of Georgia and Alabama was 
instituted by the Board about 1816. It received 
the patronage of our Government, was personally 
visited by President Monroe, who made appropria- 
tions for its assistance and expressed an enthusi- 
astic interest in the enterprise. A number of the 
natives were brought North to be educated, and 
were placed in the Foreign Mission school at Corn- 
wall, Conn., a very short distance from Litchfield. 
Eepresentatives of various nations were received 
for training and education, to return to their own 
lands as missionaries. Perhaps the most interest- 
ing of these students was Henry Obookiah, a native 
of the Sandwich Islands, and a distant relative 
of the king. He had fled from his own country in 
a time of insurrection, found his way to our 
shores and his subsequent career elicited profound 
interest. His conversion and life following were 
most remarkable, and his death, which occurred 
in Cornwall February 17, 1818, was that of a tri- 
umphant Christian. On the occasion of his fu- 
neral Dr. Lyman Beecher preached one of his most 
powerful sermons from the text, " The Lord reign- 
eth, let the earth rejoice, let the multitudes of the 
isles be glad thereof," etc. Throngs attended the 
funeral, among others, the young student at the 
Litchfield seminary. With her tender years, her 
intellectual and spiritual attainments, and broad 
ideas, it is not strange that a lasting impression 
was made upon her mind, and that an interest in 
missions was awakened which lasted through life. 
She always valued her little volume, " The Life of 
Henry Obookiah," and on the flyleaf is written in 



MRS. GEORGE A. PERKINS xxi 

a dainty hand, " Subscribed for it before it was 
published in Litchfield, Conn., 1818." In a letter 
to a friend she again writes, " Five young men of 
the Cherokee tribe have just arrived here from the 
South, and to-day are going to the mission school 
at Cornwall. We now begin to see the effects of 
our contributions. The heathen are made ac- 
quainted with the true God, savages becoming 
civilized, and agreeable to the prophecies, the 
wilderness budding and blossoming as the rose. 
What can be more pleasant than to see natives 
come out of the wilderness, and rank with the 
civilized world. It is owing to the dread darkness 
of mind and a savage education, that we do not 
see rising among them kings and priests unto 
God. 

"Well may we prize the calmer skies we claim, 
and well may pity when we look at them." She 
speaks of the fact that the school girls were going 
to make a bed-quilt for the mission at Cornwall, 
although the Indians could not yet be persuaded 
to sleep on beds. The letter closes, " Late at night ; 
I must bid you adieu." 

Her superior privileges for an education are 
frequently alluded to with happiness and grati- 
tude. The scientific branches, such as Chemistry, 
Philosophy and Astronomy, were her especial de- 
light. Her standing as a scholar was of such a 
character that when she had been there but six 
months, and was only eighteen years of age. Miss 
Pierce offered her a situation to teach in the 
school. Miss Catherine Beecher had been the as- 
sistant, but Miss Pierce remarked, " Miss Shepard, 



xxii A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF 

as Miss Beecher is about to leave, I would like you 
to take lier place." This she did with great credit. 
Later an opportunity presented for her to go to 
Georgia as a teacher, " where ample funds were 
provided," but this was like going out of the 
world, and we may easily believe that her friends 
objected to one of her youth being so far sepa- 
rated from home. 

However, not long after that a situation was 
offered her as preceptress in the Academy of 
Ithaca, N. Y., and this position was accepted. The 
duties were in accordance with her tastes. Here 
she endeavored to arouse an interest in the sub- 
ject of missions, which had become very dear to 
her heart during her residence in New England. 

Among her papers is still found a receipt for six 
dollars, sent by her, from certain young ladies of 
Ithaca, and signed by the distinguished Jeremiah 
Evarts, for many years Secretary and Treasurer 
of the American Board. The social atmosphere at 
Ithaca at that time must have been charming, and 
there it was her happy lot to meet the one who 
was to be " A dearer one still, and a nearer one 
yet than all others." There were those who had 
sought her hand, and sung her praises, but in 
George A. Perkins, a young man of good birth and 
education, who had recently come from New Eng- 
land, were all the desires of her heart realized. He 
had made a specialty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, 
and learning of a desirable situation at Athens, 
and that within a radius of fifteen miles there was 
no one answering to his profession, he was readily 
induced to locate in this place, which was in those 




Geoege a. Perkins at 31 Years of Age 

Portrait by S. A. Mount, N. A. 



MRS. GEORGE A. PERKINS xxiii 

days a town of considerable importance. Hence 
in March, 1823, he removed to Athens and estab- 
lished himself in business. We read in the old 
record of this church dated April 14, 1823, 
" Voted, that George A. Perkins be admitted as a 
member by letter," dated April 7, and at the same 
meeting, he and two others were appointed a com- 
mittee to transcribe the church records, and at the 
next meeting, April 16, John Shepard resigned 
as clerk, and George A. Perkins was appointed to 
fill his place. The church had recently been 
changed from Congregational to Presbyterian, and 
April 28 he was chosen ruling Elder, being but 
twenty-four years of age, was very soon ordained, 
and May 1, 1823, he was married by the Rev. 
James Williamson to Julia Anna Shepard, at the 
home of her father, situated on the banks of the 
Susquehanna, the last house Mr, Shepard built, 
and where he resided twenty years, " the old 
place" on the Howell tract. 

Events of importance had crowded in quick suc- 
cession. It was not pleaded, " I am engaged in busi- 
ness," or " I have married a wife " and " therefore I 
cannot come," but religious duties went hand in 
hand with the affairs of life, which are usually 
so absorbing and interesting during the happy 
days of youth. We can hardly appreciate the joy 
to those who were endeavoring to sustain the 
struggling church, to welcome a young man of 
such culture, piety, zeal, and efficiency. These 
offices as Elder and Clerk of the Session, were as- 
sumed at an early age, and faithfully sustained 
for an almost unparalleled period of time. 



xxiv A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF 

And the bride of 1823, did her religious and in- 
tellectual attainments, her enthusiasm in the work 
of carrying out the Saviour's last command, dimin- 
ish in her new and happy relation? Far from it! 
With sympathy and encouragement they were fos- 
tered and intensified, and the cause of missions 
was not left without a witness, watching in ear- 
nest expectation. 

We of to-day when this work is more popular; 
when intelligent Christian women are giving their 
attention to the subject to so great an extent ; when 
those not interested are the peculiar ones; and 
much money and time formerly wasted, are being 
<!onsecrated ; can hardly appreciate what it was 
for her in her early married life to endeavor to 
arouse an interest in a subject which had received 
so little attention in this part of the country. Yet 
in all the years that followed, with family cares 
and increasing responsibilities, a little society was 
sustained with a few faithful co-laborers. The 
altar fires were kept burning, and the hand of 
faith reached out and grasped the promises of the 
'" King of Nations." 

" Let us gently glide adown the stream of time." 

We find after the reunion of the two branches of 
the Presbyterian Church in 1871 a season of de- 
velopment and prosperity; the smiles of Heaven 
•seemed to bless this union. Many were aroused to 
more diligent service, and the power of the women 
who had faithfully " kept silence " began to be 
felt. This was a joyous day to those who had la- 



MRS. GEORGE A. PERKINS xxv 

bored in prayerful hope for so many years, and 
with the new societies forming throughout the land^ 
this little church was among the first to arise and 
send forth a ray of brightness to lighten the world. 

Mrs. Perkins was made the President of the new 
organization in 1871, and retained the position for 
about five years, when she laid her mantle upon 
younger shoulders, feeling confident that the work 
would be faithfully carried forward. 

Her advancing years were passed in quiet, com- 
fort and peace. From time to time, articles of 
value which dropped from her pen found their 
way into leading magazines and papers. And 
when seventy years of age she published the little 
historical volume, " Early Times on the Susque- 
hanna," which was mostly kindly received. She 
was led to this work, in part, by the remembrance 
of the " Old Settlers' Meeting " which was held at 
the Presbyterian Church of Athens, February 20, 
1854, when many distinguished men were present^ 
among them a number of descendants of the early 
inhabitants. It was then strongly urged that 
facts of history relating to the settlement of this 
valley should be collected and preserved. Fifteen 
years passed, with no response to this important 
suggestion; and having in her possession papers 
and correspondence belonging to her father, as a 
basis, she began and completed this work, which 
is of so great value, and which will be of incal- 
culable service to the future historian. 

All through life, with a strong inclination to- 
ward religious subjects, Mrs. Perkins was of 
a singularly peaceful and happy temperament, 



xxvi A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF 

witli a relish for pleasantry, and an appreciation 
of all that was bright and beautiful. Music had 
for her especial charms, and she was endowed 
with an unusually sweet voice, which was well 
preserved until late in life. 

Ever truly hospitable, and gracious in the so- 
ciety of congenial friends, hers was a broader, a 
heaven-born love and sympathy, which knew no 
limitations, but embraced all the world, and went 
beyond the confines of temporal existence into 
that of life eternal. (Of her family of eight chil- 
dren, Lucy, Isaac, Kebecca, Edward, and John 
have been called to their eternal home. Anna, 
George, and Sarah are still in the active walks of 
life.) 

The domestic life of Mr. and Mrs. Perkins was 
one of exceptional congeniality and happiness. It 
was passed in " The unity of Sprit, in the bond of 
peace." Much time was spent in reading and the 
study of favorite topics, historical and scientific, 
and in general intelligence they were alert and 
thoroughly abreast with the times. 

Their Golden Wedding was celebrated May 1, 
1873, and they survived until 1884, examples of 
patient waiting, and a benediction to the world. 

To give in detail an account of their lives, for 
so many years passed in usefulness and Christian 
activity in this valley, would be an impossibility. 
They were refined, quiet, and unostentatious, but 
as the strongest forces of nature are invisible, so 
the power of the influence of these lives God alone 
can estimate. 

Their record is in Heaven. But that of Earth 



MRS. GEORGE A. PERKINS xxvii 

is written " He served the Church of Christ as 
Elder sixty-one years, and she was a faithful mem- 
ber seventy-two years." They had early in life 
chosen that Wisdom, whose " ways are ways of 
pleasantness," and all whose " paths are peace." 
And, as when the sun is setting, and his golden 
rays gild the horizon with brilliancy and beauty, 
giving promise of a still brighter day; so, as the 
shadows of life began to draw gently around them, 
they who had been made beautiful by the reflec- 
tion of His image, almost hand in hand were 
ushered into His presence, where is " fullness of 
joy," and at whose " right hand there are plea- 
sures for evermore." 

S. P. E. 

Missionary Society Anniversary, 
Athens, November 28, 1896. 



EARLY TIMES 



I 

INDIANS * 

Large and powerful tribes of Indians inhabited 
the territories of New York, New Jersey, and 
Pennsylvania less than a hundred years ago. The 
Delawares, or Lenni Lenape, whose subdivisions 
were numerous, some of them known as the Turtle, 
the Turkey, and the Wolf tribes, had been the most 
powerful, until the Five Nations formed a league 
to subjugate and make them vassals. This they 
did most effectually early in the 18th century, and 
ever after treated them as subjects. 

The five confederate nations were the Mohawks, 
Oneidas, Onondagas, Cayugas, and Senecas. His- 
torians speak of the Tuscaroras as having been 
driven from North Carolina and adopted by the 
confederates at a later period, constituting, with 
them, the Six Nations, and called by the French, 
Iroquois, and by the English Mingoes. 

The Monsey or Wolf tribe, a part of the Dela- 
wares, was powerful and warlike, and occupied 
both branches of the Susquehanna. The Shamo- 
kins, Shawnees and Nanticokes, also were power- 
ful, but these were all subject to the great confed- 
eracy, the Six Nations, and nothing could exceed 
the severity with which they treated those who 

* See Appendix No. 2 on this subject. 



g EARLY TIMES 

dared to transgress their code; to take the liberty 
to sell land, or to attempt to rise above their deg- 
radation. It was jealousy of the growing popu- 
larity of Tedeuseung, the Delaware chief, among 
the white people, that instigated that barbarous 
act of a party of warriors from the Six Nations 
when they visited Wyoming upon a pretense of 
friendship, but one night set fire to the house of 
the chief, together with which he was burned to 
ashes. He was a man of ability, and his death 
was greatly lamented. The Delawares had no 
name or place except such as was granted them by 
their merciless conquerors. They cowered before 
their powerful foe. In this subdued state perhaps 
they were the better prepared to receive the gospel, 
when it was proclaimed to them. They called them- 
selves the original people, and their language was 
the Algonquin. 

Count Zinzendorf, Zeisberger, and others among 
the Moravians, labored among them at a very early 
date. David and John Brainard, New England 
missionaries, were received among the Delawares 
of New Jersey, as friends of the red man, and it 
is astonishing to note the access these men had to 
the hearts of these degraded people, some of them 
only able to address them through an interpreter. 

In many cases powerful revivals of religion were 
known among them, and many of the converts 
became consistent Christians, and continued stead- 
fast through life. 

After the Six Nations had subjugated the Dela- 
wares, or, as they expressed it, "clothed them in 
petticoats," they soon commenced their emigration 



INDIANS 3 

down the beautiful valley to their newly acquired 
territories. Tioga Point was doubtless the rally- 
ing place for many a stately Indian, clothed in his 
blanket or skins, attended by his squaw and pa- 
pooses, migrating south in his Indian canoe, to 
take possession of his conquered domain, and en- 
joy the pleasures and benefits of his incompara- 
ble hunting and fishing ground. 

The Delawares received them with kindness; 
they dared not do otherwise, and their good Chris- 
tian teachers, who had great influence with them, 
taught them to bear their trials patiently, and to 
recommend religion to their enemies by their lives 
and conversation. This was not without is effect. 
We read that many among the confederates em- 
braced the Christian religion. 

Mr. Maginnes speaks of Shikelimy, a chief of the 
Cayuga tribe, who was stationed at Shamokin ( Sun- 
bury ) , to rule over the Indians. He was an excellent 
man, possessed of many noble qualities of mind, 
that would do honor to many a white man laying 
claims to greater refinement and intelligence. He 
was possessed of great dignity, sobriety, and pru- 
dence, and was particularly noted for his kindness 
to the whites and missionaries. He was a most 
intimate and valued friend of Conrad Weiser, 
agent for the government, and interpreter, Avho 
entertained great respect for him. On several im- 
portant occasions he attended the sittings of the 
Provincial Council at Philadelphia, and performed 
m.a.nj embassies between the government of Penn- 
sylvania and the Six Nations. He was the first 
magistrate and head Chief of all the Iroquois In- 



4 EARLY TIMES 

dians living on the banks of the Susquehanna, and 
as far as Onondaga. He had several sons, one of 
whom was " Logan, the Mingo Chief." 

He became a convert to Christianity, and in his 
last illness w^as attended by David Zeisberger, and 
in his presence died a peaceful and happy death, 
with full assurance of eternal life through the 
merits of Jesus Christ. 

Governor Hamilton, of Pennsylvania, sent to 
condole with his family after his death, and pres- 
ents were given them, in order to wipe away their 
tears. The presents were matchcoats, shirts and a 
string of wampum. 

The Indians of our country have ever been 
looked upon w^ith interest by every lover of his- 
tory. They have justly been charged with savage 
cruelties, such as make the blood chill, when 
called to mind. But Avhen we look upon them as 
natives of the soil, and we the invaders; when we 
consider how all nations are affected by intrusion 
and oppression, and what excesses of barbarity the 
most civilized nations have allowed and practiced; 
we might do well to extend charity to the less 
cultivated and refined, who have not had the ad- 
vantages with which we have been favored. 

Those who have felt an interest in them, and 
studied their character, and those who have spent 
months and years among them, instructing them 
in civilization and Christianity, are not backward 
in ascribing to them the characteristics of human- 
ity, common to the fallen race of Adam, and it has 
been proved, in very many instances, where their 
minds have been instructed and their hearts re- 



INDIANS 5 

newecl by Divine grave, that they have been among 
the most humane, sensible and reliable of men. 

The white man who indulges in deeds of cruelty 
acts contrary to the laws of civilized society; not 
so with the Indian in his savage state; he is con- 
sistent with his principles, and conducts himself 
accordingly. 

After the labors of the Brainards and Tennents 
had closed in New Jersey, and the Moravian In- 
dians had removed West, no one was found to 
guide them. Some of them had received instruc- 
tion at the school for Indian youth, at Lebanon, 
Conn., under the care of the Eev. Mr. Wheelock, 
founder of Dartmouth College. But they were 
not competent to direct the minds of the people, 
and they suffered much from ignorance and neg- 
lect. Cruel men took the advantage of them, act- 
ing upon the principle that the " Indian had no 
rights which white men were bound to respect." 
In 1802 many of them resolved to go to the 
Oneidas, on Oneida Lake, who had invited them to 
" eat of their dish," saying it was large enough for 
both. The united tribes remained there until 1824, 
when the encroachments of the whites induced 
them to purchase a tract of land on Pox Elver, 
near Green Bay. 

The few that remained in New Jersey applied 
by memorial to the Legislature of the State, for 
compensation for their claim, through Bartholo- 
mew Calvin, an educated Chief, 76 years old. He 
had been in Princeton College, until the Revolu- 
tionary war cut off the funds of the society by 
which he Avas supported. He afterward taught 



6 EARLY TIMES 

school when he had as many white as Indian 
pupils. 

In his petition to the Legislature he says, " My 
brethren, I am old, and weak, and poor, and there- 
fore a fit representative of my people. You are 
young, and strong, and rich, and therefore a fit 
representative of your people. But let me beg you 
for a moment to lay aside the recollection of your 
strength, and our weakness, that your minds may 
be prepared to examine with candor the subject 
of our claim." Then stating their claim, he says, 
" We consider the State Legislature the proper pur- 
chaser, and trust that you will be induced to give 
us what you deem a proper compensation. In be- 
half of the Red brethren — Bartholomew Calvin." 

The Legislature granted him two thousand dol- 
lars on his petition. He returned his thanks to 
both Houses, in the name of " a wasted yet grate- 
ful people." 

Some now living may remember the final depar- 
ture of the Delaware Indians for their new home 
among the Oneidas; their scanty furniture, their 
rude relics, the aged, the sick, and the little ones, 
which were packed in wagons while the healthy 
marched on foot, and some were playing on the 
violin to cheer up the desponding. They became 
amalgamated with the Oneidas, and were soon 
mingling with the white inhabitants, selling their 
split brooms and baskets. 

In 1830 the Oneidas sold much of their land to 
the State; many remaining still on their reserva- 
tion; yet in 1832 most of these tribes migrated to 
Green Bay. They have since gone still farther 



INDIANS 7 

west. Mr. Marsh, the missionary, says : " I have 
met with several of the children: of David Brain- 
ard's people, and obtained of one of them the 
conch shell with which Brainard used to call the 
people together for public worship, in New Jer- 
sey. Some of them pray in their families, dress 
well, and behave well." " What did your grand- 
mother say about David Brainard? " Mr. M. in- 
quired of one of them. She said, " He was a young 
man — a lovely man, he was a staff to walk with. 
He went from house to house, to talk about re- 
ligion — that was his way." 

Skanadoah, an Oneida Chief, and a convert to the 
Christian religion, died in 1815, aged about 113 
years. He had been a pupil of Mr. Kirkland, the 
missionary who labored about forty years for the 
benefit of the Oneidas. Mr. Kirkland donated the 
land for Hamilton College, and it is said that 
through him and Dr. Wheelock, both Hamilton 
and Dartmouth Colleges arose indirectly as the 
result of Indian missions. Mr. K. lived at Oneida 
Castle, with his family. He died at Clinton in 
1808, aged 66 years. Skanadoah was buried at 
his particular request by the side of the mission- 
ary, to whom he had been much attached. A 
monument was erected to him, by the corporation 
of Hamilton College, within the College burying 
ground. 

He is represented by a poet as saying at his 
death : 

"Lo! my war shout is ended, my bow is unstrung. 
And Warriors ! I rise to tbe hills of my rest, 
I meet not your feasts, and I meet not your song, 
! ■ There's a home for the Chief in the isles of the blest." 



8 EARLY TIMES 

The Six Nations had great power in the terri- 
tory of Pennsylvania, until they sold to the white 
people. The fishing and hunting grounds, in 
these wilds, were unequaled. The shad, the bass 
and the trout, the bear, the stately elk, and herds 
of deer gave them business, food, and clothing, and 
with their variety of corn dishes, their fare was 
good and wholesome. Their councils were numer- 
ous, where they repeated their legends, and handed 
down the traditions of former ages, to be again 
repeated to those who should come after them. At 
these councils their women were not only allowed 
to be present, but their opinions were consulted in 
war debates; and, strange to say of heathen, their 
women often acted as mediators, and when they 
advised to lay down the hatchet, their arguments 
often prevailed. 

But labor was principally confined to the 
women, and it was deemed disgraceful for a man 
to work. Even as late as 1831, a missionary among 
the Senecas at Cattaraugus states that a man 
might hunt and fish and play ball and fight, and 
maintain his respectability, but he could not even 
bring his game into the settlement. Suppose he 
had been out into the Pennsylvania forests, and 
killed a deer, he might bring it all the way on his 
shoulders, till he came within a mile of the set- 
tlement ; but " etiquette " required him to leave it 
there, and go home, and say to the women, " In 
such a place you will find some venison which I 
have brought you," and they must go out and lug it 
into camp. 

The Oneidas and Senecas were set to guard the 



INDIANS 9 

subjugated tribes along the branches of the Sus- 
quehanna. They separated the Nantieokes, plac- 
ing a portion of them north, near Owego, and 
some of them down the valley below Wilkesbarre. 
The Delawares were scattered, to weaken their 
power, and the other tribes placed here and there, 
at the discretion of their lordly conquerors. The 
Mousey or Wolf tribe were very warlike, and were 
likewise separated, some placed on the West 
Branch, near Mousey, others below Tioga Point, 
where they had a village called Wilawane, or 
Monseytown. They removed west in Pennsyl- 
vania to Venango. Queen Esther's village was aft- 
erwards built upon the same ground along the 
ridge. 

Among the Six Nations there were many dis- 
tinguished men. Some noted for their talents, 
and others for their cruelty. Shickeleny has been 
spoken of as a man of noble mind and a Chris- 
tian; Brant, a Mohawk chief, possessed superior 
talents, had received some education, and was a 
*^ British officer in epaulets ; " * Canassitigo, an 
Onondaga chief, so cruel and sarcastic towards 
the Delawares, (an account of which may be 
found in Miner's History of Wyoming) ; the good 
and talented Skanadoah, of the Oneidas; and 
Cornplanter, a Seneca chief, and friend of the 
white man, who was well known in his prime by 
the whites and Indians on the West and North 

* Colonel Parker, the well-known Seneca Indian gentleman, on 
General Grant's staff during the late war, states that Brant was 
the translator of the gospel into Iroquois. Colonel Stone cor- 
roborates his statement in his life of Brant. 



10 EARLY TIMES 

branches of the Susquehanna, and did much to 
conciliate in cases of difflculty. In later life he 
lived on a small reservation in Pennsylvania, 
about four miles below the State line, on the Alle- 
gany river. He died a little more than thirty years 
ago. A neat and tasteful monument was erected 
over his grave, in 1866, at the expense of the state 
of Pennsylvania. He was supposed to be about 
107 years of age. Missionaries who have long la- 
bored in that reservation speak well of his family. 
He has two sons and a daughter still living, and 
numerous grandchildren. Red Jacket, another 
Seneca chief, was perhaps better known in New 
York and Northern Pennsylvania than any 
other chief. He visited Tioga Point many times, 
and figured largely at the treaty in 1790. His 
powers of eloquence were said to be very great. 
Some now living here remember him. He lived on 
the reservation near Buffalo, and died in about 
1830. Many others, whose names will appear in 
the account of the treaty, were noted and influ- 
ential men. 

It is well understood that the valley we now 
occupy was once inhabited by these Indian tribes, 
principally Senecas, Cayugas, and Oneidas, their 
headquarters being at Onondaga. This valley was 
the grand thoroughfare from that place to Wy- 
oming, and still further south. 

These rivers and mountains, these plains and 
valleys, islands and grottoes were as familiar to 
them as they are to us. They owned the soil, and 
tilled it with their rude implements. Their Indian 
corn grew where much of ours now grows. They 



INDIANS 11 

here took from these rivers the fish, the " delicious 
shad," which we once enjoyed, but from which we 
are now cut off by our improvements. They sailed 
on these waters, in their native canoes. With their 
bow and arrow they caught the bounding deer of 
the forest, his flesh was their food, and his skin 
their clothing. Their council fires were kindled on 
the banks of the Susquehanna; they smoked the 
pipe of peace under these lofty elms; they bathed 
in these rivers ; their lovers walked on these banks, 
and made their plans for future life. They knew 
of no superiors, and were subject to no dictation 
but their great council at Onondaga. 

They engaged in the old French war against the 
English, and were powerful foes. But they had 
been invaders upon the Delawares, and now a 
stronger nation was crowding them out of their 
possessions. Purchases of lands were made of 
them by the white people, at very low prices, at 
various times, which weakened their power, and 
soured their minds, and when the Kevolutionary 
w^ar was in progress, the most of the tribes were 
readily engaged on the British side, against the 
colonies; the Oneidas for the most part being our 
faithful friends throughout the conflict. It is 
wonderful that the colonists should ever have at- 
tained their independence, with the British on 
their front, the Indians on their rear, and the 
tories in their midst; the interposition of Divine 
Providence was manifest, and His agency was 
gratefully acknowledged by the Commander-in- 
Chief. 

It was about this time of their power and pride 



12 EARLY TIMES 

that the Indians were instigated by the British to 
engage with them in their murderous expedition 
into Wyoming Valley, to deprive the inhabitants 
of their fathers, brothers, and possessions, and put 
the distressed families to flight. But vengeance 
pursued them, and in a short time they were driven* 
into close and uncomfortable quarters, in their 
own possessions, or compelled to find uncertain 
homes among their British friends in Canada.* 

* These accounts of the Indians are gathered principally from 
the several histories of Wyoming, the lives of John and David 
Brainard, and the Moravian papers. 



II 

MORAVIAN MISSIONS — WYALUSING 

The first account we have of the labors of the 
Moravian Brethren among the Indians of Pennsyl- 
vania is from their own history. They commenced 
their missions in 1740; one in the State of New 
York, the other in Connecticut, twenty miles dis- 
tant, under the care of Eev. Martin Mack, and 
were very successful in instructing them in the 
Christian religion. But they were so persecuted 
by the white people, that after four years the 
" Brethren " thought best to remove them, forty 
in number, to Bethlehem for protection, where 
they built huts for themselves, and called their 
settlement Friedenshuetten, or Tents of Peace. 
Their numbers increased so much that in a few 
months the Brethren bought a tract of land for 
them, near the Mahony creek and the Lehigh 
river. 

Their missionary and others laid out the town, 
which they called Gnadenheutten, or Tents of 
Grace. They soon numbered five hundred In- 
dians. 

The war between the French and English com- 
menced in 1755. The Christian Indians were 
friends to the British, while the savages were en- 
gaged for the French. 

The French Indians threatened the Christian 
Indians, and were a constant terror to them. At 
last they attacked the mission house on the Ma- 
is 



14 EARLY TIMES 

hony one evening, and eleven of the inhabitants 
were murdered. Application was made to Gov- 
ernor Denny for protection. They were removed 
to the barracks in Philadelphia, where fifty-five of 
them died. They were buried in what is now 
Washington Square. 

After the close of the French war, in 1764, the 
troubles being nearly at an end, the Brethren in 
Bethlehem considered in what manner to provide 
a settlement for these poor Indians, principally 
Delawares, where they might enjoy more safety. 

It could not be expected they would remain long 
unmolested, in the neighborhood of the merciless 
whites, and they were therefore advised to settle 
in the Indian country, on the banks of the Susque- 
hanna. Application was made to the Governor, 
who gave them permission, and supplied them lib- 
erally with necessaries " until their new planted 
corn should ripen." Schmidt and Zeisberger were 
appointed to accompany them. On the 20th of 
March the Moravian Indian congregation com- 
menced their journey across the mountains and 
swamps, direct to Wyoming; from thence to 
Machiwilusing, where they arrived on the 9th of 
May, after a painful pilgrimage of five weeks. 

Machiwilusing was the Indian name for Wya- 
lusing creek, and has given name to the town. It 
empties into the Susquehanna, a little below 
French Town, on the opposite side of the river. 
Near the mouth of that creek, these Moravians 
made their missionary establishment in 1765. 
They called it after their old station Friedenshuet- 
ten or Tents of Peace. It was a village of forty 



MORAVIAN MISSIONS— WYALUSING 15 

houses, built of wood, after the European manner, 
and thirteen Indian huts. In the middle of the 
street, which was eighty feet broad, they built a 
large and neat chapel. The adjoining ground was 
laid out in gardens, and between the town and the 
river, about 250 acres were divided into regular 
plantations, for Indian corn. The burying ground 
was situated some distance back of the buildings. 
The mission grounds were about two miles below 
the present village of Wyalusing. 

They were happy and greatly blessed, and pros- 
pered, at their new station, and were often visited 
by people of the Six Nations, many of whom be- 
lieved the word which they heard, and embraced 
their religion, and were baptised. The natives 
heard of them at a great distance, and great num- 
bers were added to them. 

Zeisberger was extensively known among the 
Indians. He understood the Delaware and Iro- 
quois languages, and often attended the great 
councils at Onondaga, where he was treated with 
great respect. They gave him not only liberty to 
settle at Friedenshuetten, but additional liberties 
beyond Tioga.* 

Among other places visited by the missionaries 
of Machiwilusing, was a town about thirty miles 
up the river called She Shequanunck (Old She- 
shequin) in which a great awakening took place 
among the Indians, occasioned by the accounts 
from Friedenshuetten, brought by those who vis- 
ited them. At the request of the natives, the mis- 

* We have no account of the Moravians having gone farther 
North than old Sheshequin. 



16 EARLY TIMES 

sionary Rothe \Yent to reside among them. His 
testimony of Jesus went to their hearts, the audi- 
ence being frequently melted into tears. One of 
them remarked, " I would not have wept if my 
enemies had cut the flesh from my bones. That I 
now weep is of God, who has softened the hardness 
of my heart." For some time it appeared as if the 
whole town would turn to the Lord and be con- 
verted. 

The mission at Machiwilusing continued to 
prosper greatly until the whites increased on each 
side of them, and introduced rum. The diflflculties 
also among the Pennsylvania and New England 
people were a hindrance to them, and the Iroquois 
were prevailed upon to sell all their lands East of 
the Ohio to the white people, and great was the 
sacrifice to give up their beautiful settlement on 
the Susquehanna. These peaceable, quiet. Chris- 
tian Moravian Indians felt compelled to leave 
their " Tents of Peace " where they had lived seven 
years, and take up their march again westward, 
by the way of Sunbury, through forest and 
marshes, over rivers and mountains, till they ar- 
rived on the banks of the Ohio, where they met 
brethren under Heckwalder, the Moravian mis- 
sionary, who guided them to their settlement. 
These poor creatures (two hundred and forty in 
number), were seven weeks on their sad journey. 

A Congregational church was formed in Wya- 
lusing in 1794, and was connected with the Luzerne 
Association. Rev. M. M. York preached alter- 
nately at Wyalusing and Wysox, for many years. 
The Association once met at the latter place, in 
the spring of , when Mrs. York, the mother of 



MORAVIAN MISSIONS— WYALUSING 17 

tlie clergyman, more than seventy years of age, 
residing at Wyalusing, rode across swollen streams 
and over dangerous passes, to be present at this 
assembly. Great surprise was expressed at her 
courage and heroism, when she replied, " I have 
been praying forty years for the upbuilding of 
Zion, and don't you think I would come to see it? " 

Major Taylor's family were identified with the 
church there, and a son of his was a clergyman. 
His daughter was suddenly restored to the use of 
her limbs, in answer to prayer, as was supposed, 
after having been unable to walk for several 
years. 

A settlement was made by the w^hite people, soon 
after the close of the Revolutionary war, which 
they called Wyalusing, from Mackhiwilusing, the 
Indian name of the Creek. 

It is a beautiful settlement, about two miles 
above the site of the old Moravian Settlement, and 
contained a population of nearly five hundred 
inhabitants. 

The late C. F. Welles, Esq., removed from To- 
wanda to Wyalusing in 1822. He had been the 
Prothonotary, and Register and Recorder of Brad- 
ford county, from the times its name was changed 
from that of Ontario, March 24, 1812, until 1818, 
when he was succeeded by Geo. Scott and E, 
Mason. He married a daughter of Judge Hollen- 
back, and was a prominent and talented man. He 
died in 1866.* 

* Justus Lewis, Esq., who resides near Wyalusing, and is 
about 82 years of age, has a better knowledge, it is said, of 
our frontier history, than any other man now living, and could 
no doubt gi-^e valuable information to any one who might wish 
to prepare a more extended work. 



Ill 

CONNECTICUT TITLE 

To take a glance of the two states of Connecticut 
and Pennsylvania, as they now are, it might seem 
absurd that Connecticut could ever have claimed 
a tract of land over one hundred and twenty miles 
in length, and sixty in breadth, in the heart of this 
well proportioned state. 

The Colony of Connecticut claimed jurisdiction 
by virtue of a charter from Charles 2d, dated April 
23, 1662, granting Connecticut that part of his 
dominions in America, beginning at Narragansett 
Bay, from the 41st to the 42d degree of latitude, 
in width, and extending west on the same parallels 
of latitude, so far as England then owned the 
granting power, or, as some say, to the Pacific 
Ocean, supposing the Continent to be very narrow. 
The claims of the Dutch leading down to JSTew York 
Bay, were, of course, excepted, as her charter was 
the oldest. 

The proprietaries of Pennsylvania, on the 
ground of a charter granted to Wm. Penn, in 1681, 
by the same sovereign, claimed all that tract of 
land in America, bounded on the east by the Dela- 
ware river, from the 40th to the 42d degree of north 
latitude, and to extend west through five degrees 
of longitude. Within these bounds was included 
Wyoming, " which," says Colonel Stone, " has been 

18 



CONNECTICUT TITLE 19 

the theatre of more historical action, and is in- 
vested with more historical interest than any 
other inland district of the United States, of equal 
extent." 

The difficulties arising out of these opposing 
claims, between Connecticut and Pennsylvania, 
were serious and protracted. It was inexcusable 
that a monarch, assigning portions of territory to 
his subjects, should leave so much ground for con- 
troversy, by granting titles that conflicted with 
each other to so great an extent. 

It was this that caused the trouble between the 
two states and the numerous claimants, and re- 
sulted in civil and disastrous wars. 

Pennsylvania purchased of the Indians the right 
of soil in the province, but did not receive their 
deed until the treaty at Fort Stanwix, in 1768. 

In 1754 the Connecticut Susquehanna Company, 
formed at Hartford, purchased of the Six Nations, 
at Albany, the land on the Susquehanna river, be- 
ginning at the 41st degree of North latitude, ten 
miles east of the river; and from thence, with a 
northerly line, following the river ten miles east of 
the same, to the forty-second degree of North lat- 
itude; and extending two degrees West longitude; 
from thence south to the 41st degree; thence east 
to the first mentioned boundary. 

For this the Company paid the Indians the sum 
of two thousand pounds, current money, and the i 
deed was signed by eighteen Sachems.* 

A gradual emigration was in progress from Con- 
necticut many years, though interrupted consid- 
* See Miner's history. 



20 EARLY TIMES 

erably by the French war; but in 1769 two hun- 
dred families, from the eastern part of the State, 
formed a colony and began to remove to the south 
part of the valley, with ministers, and implements 
of husbandry, and teachers for their children. 
After many wearisome days in the wilderness, they 
descended the mountain and took possession of 
that garden of nature, which had been honorably 
purchased of the natives. 

Here, in their delightful Wyomin;?;, these noble 
Christian colonists expected to find a prosperous 
and peaceful home. But scarcely had they taken 
possession, when their claim was contested by the 
Pennsylvanians, whose charter also covered the 
charming valley; and a terrible conflict ensued. 
The contention was long and sharp; many lives 
were lost, and the sufferings of the colony were 
great. At three different times they were driven 
from their possessions by the Pennsylvanians; but 
they returned with increased numbers, sup- 
ported by Connecticut, and established themselves 
strongly. They called their territory the County 
of Westmoreland, and for nine years sent repre- 
sentatives to the Legislature of Connecticut. They 
were a happy people among themselves, had civil 
and religious privileges, and all the enjoj'uients 
of refined social life. Their Puritan habits have 
blessed succeeding generations. Many clergymen, 
statesmen, teachers, missionaries, and other emi- 
nent Christian men and women have sprung from 
this stock. 

Chief-Justice Tilghman states that " the unfor- 
tunate controversy between Connecticut and Penn- 



CONNECTICUT TITLE 21 

sylvania was attended with riot, disorder and 
bloodshed, which continued until the commence- 
ment of the Revolutionary war, when the Congress 
of the United States, fearing the consequences 
which might result from a dispute of so serious a 
nature between two powerful States, recommended 
that all acts of force should be abstained from, 
and each person should remain in possession of 
the land occupied by him, until a proper season 
should come for determining the matter on princi- 
ples of justice. This recommendation was com- 
plied with. The Connecticut settlers were the 
most numerous, and held possession during the 
war, in the course of which they suffered great 
hardships, and lost many lives ; being on a remote 
frontier, much exposed to the attacks of the Brit- 
ish and Indians." * 

While the struggle with Great Britain was in 
progress, in which Wyoming took an active part, 
there was comparative quiet between the Connecti- 
cut and Pennsylvania claimants; but scarcely was 
our independence acknowledged, when the conten- 
tion about lands revived. It was found necessary 
that a subject of so much weight should be de- 
cided by a court established by Congress of Com- 
missioners from the two contending states. They 

* The fiery trials through which they passed, at the time of 
the invasion by the Tories and Indians, in 1778, cannot be better 
described than in the petition of Samuel Gore, for a pension, 
in his advanced age. He was a brother of Judge Gore, and 
kindly presented me with a copy of his petition, w^ritten with 
his own hand, near the close of his life. He had often visited 
us, and entertained us with his account of the Revolutionary 
w^ar, and the battle of Wyoming. 



22 EARLY TIMES 

met at Trenton, N. J., in the month of December, 
1782. The parties proceeded with their pleas, and 
after manj^ days the court decided that the right 
of jurisdiction belonged to Pennsylvania, and that 
the judicial power of Connecticut over Wyoming 
should cease. In this the Commissioners from 
each state acquiesced. It is supposed there was 
this understanding between the two states, from 
a conviction of its policy. 

Mr. Miner says, " There is no doubt that the de- 
cision of Trenton was made on grounds of policy, 
and not of right. It was not designed, however, 
to affect the private right of soil. Immediately 
after this decree, Connecticut withdrew its juris- 
diction, and the county of Westmoreland ceased to 
exist. 

" The claims of Connecticut, west of Pennsyl- 
vania, were all ceded to Congress, excepting the 
Western Reserve, or New Connecticut, and she 
received the United States letters patent for that 
tract. 

" The Pennsylvanians continued to treat the 
Connecticut settlers with severity, which induced 
the Assembly to pass an act, to restore to them 
the possessions from which they had been forcibly 
removed. On the 28th of March, 1787, an act was 
passed called the Confirming Act, ratifjdng the 
title of lands in their possession, prior to the de- 
cree of Trenton." 

This law was not satisfactory to either party, 
and was repealed April 1st, 1790. On the 4th of 
April, 1799, an act was passed called the Com- 
promising Act, " offering compensation to the 



CONNECTICUT TITLE 23 

Pennsylvania settlers, within the seventeen town- 
ships of Luzerne. The object of this act was to of- 
fer a reasonable compensation in money to such 
Pennsylvania claimants as were willing to release 
their rights, in order that the Commonwealth, hav- 
ing thus regained the title, might confirm the 
estates of the Connecticut settlers, at a moderate 
price, fixed by Commissioners, who were author- 
ized to give certificates to Connecticut claimants 
for no other land than such as may have been re- 
leased by the Pennsylvania claimants. This title 
was confirmed by paying for first-class lands two 
dollars per acre; second-class, one dollar and 
twenty cents; third-class, fifty cents; fourth-class, 
eight and one-quarter cents. 

To induce the Pennsylvania claimants to re- 
lease, the Commissioners were authorized to class- 
ify the land, giving certificates to them; first-class 
lands to be paid for at the rate of five dollars per 
acre, etc. 

On the 6th of April, 1802, a supplement was 
passed to the act of 1799, which gave to the Com- 
missioners authority to certify to Connecticut 
claimants the title to their lands, whether released 
by the Pennsylvania claimant or not; forbidding 
recovery of the lands by the Pennsylvania claim- 
ant, and giving him a right of action against the 
Commonwealth for the value of his land. 

By the act of 1807, all Pennsylvania claimants 
were admitted who had acquired title prior to the 
first confirming law, of March, 1787, and Connecti- 
cut claimants were not required to show that the 
lands were occupied before the decree of Trenton. 



M EARLY TIMES 

In the case of Mrs. Mathewson in the contest with 
J. F. Satterlee, Mrs, M. had taken out a warrant 
in 1812, and claimed an improvement back to 1785, 
under Connecticut title, (she having no certificate 
from the Commissioners,) and therefore had no 
title recognized by the laws of Pennsylvania to the 
date of her warrant (1812). Mr. Satterlee had 
purchased an old Pennsylvania title, going back 
to 1769, and had taken a lease of Mrs. Mathewson, 
after which an act of Assembly was passed, which 
allowed Mrs. M. to hold him as tenant. The same 
principles, when applied, will explain other cases 
also.* 



the petition of samuel gore^ esq. 

"January, 1832. 

^^ To the Honorable the Senate and House of Rep- 
resentatives of the United States, in Congress 
assembled, at the City of Washington: 

" The petition and memorial of Samuel Gore, of 
Sheshequin Township, Bradford County, Pennsyl- 
vania, humbly showeth : 

" That your petitioner's request is of a singular 
nature, differing from the common case of those 
who served in the War of the Revolution ; was not 
engaged for any limited time; that he resided at 
Wyoming Settlement at the commencement of the 
late Revolutionary War; that in the year 1777, in 
the month of May, he was enrolled in the militia 

* The above statements have been furnished by a legal gen- 
tleman for this work. 



CONNECTICUT TITLE 25 

of Captain Aholiab Buck's company, and took the 
oath of allegiance, to be true and faithful to the 
cause then at issue; that in December, the same 
year, he was draughted on a tour of duty up the 
river, as far as Wysox and Towanda; the com- 
mand he was attached to took twenty-eight pris- 
oners, men that had served under General Bur- 
goyne, the preceding campaign; that in the year 
1778 the Settlement was in almost continual 
alarm, the fore part of the season ; and what added 
mostly to our fears was, that three companies of 
soldiers had been enlisted in the Settlement, and 
had joined the main army of Washington. 

" The militia that was left was on duty the prin- 
cipal part of the time, in fortifying, scouting, and 
learning the military discipline, till the month of 
July, when the settlement was invaded by the Brit- 
ish and Indians, under the command of Colonel 
John Butler and Brandt, the Indian Chief. 

" Your petitioner was in the memorable battle 
and massacre of Wyoming, and narrowly escaped 
the fate of five brethren, the officers, and principal 
part of the Company to which he belonged. 

" In addition to his misfortune, in running 
across a bay or morass, the Indians in close pur- 
suit, every step over the knee in mud and mire, by 
over exertion, caused a breach in his body, which 
has been a painful and troublesome disorder ever 
since. • 

" It is unnecessary to describe the entire de- 
struction of the settlement, by the enemy, the dis- 
persions and hardships of the fugitives. Old men, 
women, and children, fleeing through the wilder- 



26 EARLY TIMES 

ness, carrying with them scarcely enough to sup- 
port nature by the way. 

" The place was retaken in August or Septem- 
ber following, by Colonel Zebulon Butler and Cap- 
tain Simon Spalding, and a garrison replaced 
there. Your petioner returned soon after, and 
served as a volunteer, during the years of 1779, 
1780, and 1781, and was subject to be called on, in 
ever}^ case of emergency. 

" The expedition of General Sullivan to the 
Gennesse country, did not prevent wholly, the dep- 
redations of the enemy, being frequently harassed 
by small parties. In the year 1782 Captain Spald- 
ing's company was called to join the main army, 
at headquarters, and a company of invalids was 
stationed at the post, commanded by a Captain 
Mitchel, soldiers that were not calculated for the 
woods, scouting, etc. Colonel Dennison gave or- 
ders to have the militia organized and classed, 
which took place. 

" John Franklin was chosen Captain. Your pe- 
titioner was appointed a Sergeant, and had the 
command of a class, which was ordered to be ready 
at the shortest notice, to scout the woods, and to 
follow any party of the enemy that should be sent 
on their murderous excursions. That he performed 
four tours of scouting that season, of about eight 
days each. 

" Your petitioner never drew any pay, clothing 
or rations, during the contest for Independence, 
but ammunition, he was supplied with from the 
continental store. 

" Had the charge of the family at the time, ( his 



CONNECTICUT TITLE 27 

father being dead) ; had to support himself as well 
as he could, by laboring between spells, and fre- 
quently ploughing with his musket slung at his 
back. 

" Being informed by the newspapers that a bill 
has passed the House of Eepresentatives, by a 
large majority, to compensate all those that were 
enlisted in the service of their country from three 
months to six, and nine; to compensate according 
to the time of their engagement, let their circum- 
stances be what they may. Encouraged by the lib- 
erality and generosity of our National legislators, 
I take the liberty to request of your Honorable 
Body, to take my case into consideration; and if 
you, in your wisdom and justice, should think that 
your petitioner is entitled to any remuneration, to 
do what you may think right and just; and your 
petitioner will ever pray." 

A letter addressed to Philander Stephens, Esq., 
a Member of Congress, was folded within the pe- 
tion, which I also copy: 

" Sheshequin, April 3, 1832. 

" Philander Stephens, Esq. — Dear Sir: I have 
been waiting with considerable anxiety, for some 
time, expecting to hear from you, as I think you 
promised to write to me. I would take it as a 
favor, if you would inform me what is the pros- 
pect of the bill for the general compensation of old 
soldiers and volunteers of the Revolution ; whether 
it is like to pass the Senate, the present session; 
also whether you have presented my petition, and 



28 EARLY TIMES 

if any encouragement therefrom. Some cheering 
information on this subject would revive my spirits, 
which have been almost exhausted during the 
severity of the past winter — the hardest I have ex- 
perienced since the return of Sullivan's expedition 
to the Indian country, in the year 1779. 

" On reflecting back in these trying times, I 
would state some particulars respecting our fam- 
ily, at the commencement of the Revolution. My 
father had seven sons, all zealously engaged in 
the cause of liberty. Himself an acting magis- 
trate, and a committee of safety, watching the dis- 
affected and encouraging the loyal part of the 
community. 

/ " Three of his sons, and two sons-in-law, fell in 
the Wyoming massacre. Himself died the winter 
following. One son served during the war, the 
others served in the Continental army for shorter 
periods. 

" Let any person at this time of general pros- 
perity of our country, reflect back on the troubles, 
trials and suffering of a conquered country by a 
savage enemy. Men scalped and mangled in the 
most savage manner. Some dead bodies floating 
\ down the river in sight of the garrison. Women 
collecting together in groups, screaming and 
wringing their hands, in the greatest agony; some 
swooning and deprived of their senses. Property 
of every description plundered and destroyed, 
buildings burned, the surviving inhabitants dis- 
persed, and driven through the wilderness, to seek 
subsistence wherever they could find it. This, sir, 
is a faint description of Wyoming destruction in 



CONNECTICUT TITLE 29 

1778. The savages continued their depredations 
in a greater or less degree, until 1782. 

" Lest I intrude on your patience, will conclude. 
" I am, with respect, your humble servant, 

" Samuel Gore." 

The venerable man received his pension and was 
much comforted by it during his surviving years. 
He died in 1836. The petition and letter are copied 
verbatim. 

While the battle was raging, and the women and 
children were in the fort for protection, Mrs. Gore, 
the anxious mother, Avas watching at the door of 
the fort, to hear the first report that should arrive ; 
she was told by one who approached her that 
three of her sons, Asa, Silas, and George, were 
slain; and that John Murphy and Timothy Pierce, 
her two sons-in-law, were lying by them all scalped, 
tomahawked, and mangled corpses! Who can con- 
ceive the agony of this mother as she exclaimed, 
" Have I one son left? " She died many years ago, 
and a monument has recently been set over her 
grave, together with that of her son,* Obadiah 
Gore, and his wife, by their grandchildren and 
great-grandchildren. 

The next day after the battle, when the fort was 
pillaged, all the feather-beds that could be found, 
the labor of many a careful mother and daughter, 
were carried out near the bank of the river, and 
there opened for the merriment of the savages, and 
the feathers scattered to the winds. 

They went to Mr. Gore's house, built a fire in 

* Obadiah and Asa married sisters — Avery. 



30 EARLY TIMES 

the hall, and stood by it until it was enveloped in 
flames, and the distressed family dared not whis- 
per an objection. The feathers of the " Wyoming 
Bed " were gathered up by the children of the fam- 
ily, placed in the first case they could find, and se- 
creted while the Indians were sacking the fort. 

There was great wailing as one after another 
came in, bringing appalling reports from the bat- 
tle-field, while the savages were entertaining them- 
selves by a general confiagration of the buildings 
in the settlement, and the despairing inhabitants 
were fleeing. 

In their terror, dismay, and haste, the family 
procured a horse, threw this bed across it, and 
started for the Delaware, seventy miles through 
the wilderness, called the " Shades of Death." The 
old people and the little ones rode alternately, and 
thus they pressed on their way, in hushed silence. 
One of the children hurt her unprotected feet, and 
cried aloud. From terrible necessity, the heavy- 
hearted mother said, " Stop crying, child, the In- 
dians will be after us." The little girl was quiet, 
and trudged • along without complaining. There 
were scenes of suffering among the fugitives all 
the way, such as cannot be described. Hunger, 
sickness, and death were common. 

An infant child of Mrs. Fish died on the way. 
The mother could not bury it in the wilderness lest 
the wolves might devour it. She therefore carried 
it in her arms twenty miles to a German settle- 
ment, where it was buried. 

An aged lady of 85, who has just died, said she 
was born in Mr. Stroud's barn, on the way to Dela- 



CONNECTICUT TITLE 31 

ware, just after the massacre, and there were many 
such cases. 

The Wyoming Bed was ever an object of great 
interest to the children, and often, while making 
it, and turning it over, we imagined an Indian in- 
side of it, and springing to the floor, would make 
rapid flight, with more than fancied terror. 

The bed has been preserved, and is still among 
our treasures. Little Francis Slocum, Ave years 
old, was taken from her mother's side, carried into 
perpetual captivity, and never heard from until 
she became so accustomed to Indian life that she 
preferred it to that of returning to live with her 
friends, who heard from her, and went to her after 
a separation of near sixty years, and endeavored 
to persuade her to return to her friends at Wyo- 
ming. But no arguments could prevail with her to 
go home with them. She preferred to be the In- 
dian Queen of the Miamees. The language seemed 
to be: 

" Let me stay at my home in the beautiful West, 
Where I played when a child : in my age let me rest, 
Where the bright prairies bloom, and the wild waters play. 
In the home of my heart, dearest friend, let me stay." 

Her own account of her captivity was, " After 
the Indians took me to the woods, ' Tack Horse ' 
dressed my hair in Indian fashion, and painted 
my face; he then dressed me up, and put on me 
beautiful wampum beads, and make me look very 
fine. They were very kind to me." Thus she was 
diverted, and as they were passing up the river, 
in the canoe, to Tioga, where they took their cap- 



32 EARLY TIMES 

tives, this little one was allowed to amuse herself 
by paddling in the water, and when on land to 
practice with her little bow and arrow, for enter- 
tainment. In 1789 Mrs. Slocum made a journey 
to Tioga Point, hoping to find her child among 
some prisoners who were to be surrendered — but 
she found her not. 

Frances died in 1847, and had a Christian burial, 
at the " Deaf Man's Village," near Fort Wayne, 
Indiana. This touching account is given at length 
in Mr. Pike's history of Wyoming. 



IV 

QUEEN ESTHER 

The history of Queen Esther is one of remarkable 
interest. She led the Indians into the fort at the 
time it was surrendered; and presided at the fatal 
ring, of which Mrs. Durkee, an aged aunt, gives 
the following account : " Fifteen or sixteen of our 
men, who had been taken prisoners by the In- 
dians, were assembled to receive their death-blow, 
by the hand of Queen Esther, a large, middle-aged 
Seneca squaw, who had such honors assigned her. 

" In this case, it was thought to be revenge for 
the death of her son, who was killed by the 
whites. 

" Some of the prisoners made their escape from 
the ring; others attempted it, but were unsuccess- 
ful. Among these was George Gore, who had 
broken through the ring and ran for the river, but 
was overtaken by an Indian, who, with his knife 
and tomahawk, cut him to pieces. He was an ac- 
tive and handsome young man. His hat was picked 
up and taken to his friends at the fort." 

The remaining twelve or more were murdered 
with the tomahawk, by the hand of this savage 
Queen, on the " Bloody Eock," which may still 
be seen. 

Queen Esther's residence was near Tioga Point. 
Her village was of considerable size, two or three 

33 



34 EARLY TIMES 

miles below the present village of Athens, on the 
west side of the river, and within the township. 
It is said it contained abont seventy houses, of 
rude form. 

An expedition to Tioga was planned by Colonel 
Hartley, in September, after the battle, to destroy 
Indian towns and break up their hiding places. 

With a small array of soldiers, they marched 
on their hazardous way toward Sheshequnnunck, 
where they took fifteen prisoners, killed and 
scalped a chief, and the rest fled. They made val- 
uable discoveries, and moved rapidly towards 
Tioga Point. 

Captain Spalding, afterw^ards known among us 
as General Spalding, of Sheshequin, had command 
of the 2d division. They were told that young 
Butler, a Tory, with his Royal Greens, had just 
fled from Tioga with 300 men, toward Chemung, 
14 miles off, where they were fortifying, and were 
1,000 strong. Colonel Hartley was not prepared 
to meet them, and after burning Tioga, Queen 
Esther's town, and palace, and all the Indian set- 
tlements in his way, crossing the " Sheshequin 
Path," he returned to Sunbury, where a vote of 
thanks was passed for Colonel Hartley and his 
brave men. 

Captain Spalding is spoken of as having been 
efficient in that enterprise. They accomplished 
much, and brought speedy retribution upon Queen 
Esther and her associates, for the untold misery 
they had inflicted upon Wyoming three months 
before. 

Though savage in time of war. Queen Esther was 



QUEEN ESTHER 35 

represented as quiet and trustful in time of peace. 
After the war closed she was often passing from 
Tioga to Onondaga, unprotected. One time while 
Mrs. Durkee was residing in Scipio, N. Y., she 
came to her house in the evening, on her way to 
Onondaga, with a sister, who was much intoxi- 
cated, carrying a papoose upon her back, and in- 
quired in broken English if they could stay there 
through the night and sleep on the kitchen floor; 
Mrs. D. being well acquainted with her, she was 
permitted to stay until morning, and then went on 
her way. It has excited some wonder how this 
Indian Queen came by her Jewish name. If, as 
some suppose, the Indians have descended from the 
lost tribes of Israel, it might thus be accounted for, 
or what is more probable, she might have derived 
it from the Moravian Missionaries, who had many 
stations among them, and whose names they often 
adopted. She married Tom Hill, an Indian as for- 
bidding as herself, and after she left Tioga she 
went to Onondaga to reside. 

Some writers have identified Catharine Monteur 
with Queen Esther, of Bloody Rock notoriety; 
others say this is improbable, and that the gen- 
eral supposition concerning Catharine is that she 
was the daughter of an early French Governor of 
Canada, taken captive when a child, afterwards 
becoming the wife of a Seneca Chief, and was a 
lady of comparative refinement. Her residence 
was at Seneca Lake. The Indian village called 
Catharine's town, named for her, was destroyed 
by Sullivan's army. She subsequently lived at 
Niagara. 



V 

Sullivan's expedition in 1779 

The horrors perpetrated by the Tories and In- 
dians at Wyoming aroused great indignation in 
the American people, and Congress determined to 
send a military force into their country that would 
prevent further hostilities from them. General 
Sullivan was placed in command, with three thou- 
sand five hundred men. His orders from the Com- 
mander-in-Chief of the American army were to 
move from Wyoming, up the valley, to Tioga 
Point, there to be reinforced by General James 
Clinton, with near two thousand men. Washing- 
ton gave orders, contrary to his usual custom, to 
treat the Indians with great severity, as the surest 
means to bring them to terms of peace. 

They were several days before arriving at their 
place of destination, with an array of boats and 
packhorses sufficient for their accommodation. 
After crossing the river from Sheshequin to Queen 
Esther's flats, they arrived near where her palace 
stood, which was destroyed by Colonel Hartley's 
detachment the September previous. August 12th 
they moved across the Tioga river near the point 
of land where the Tioga and Susquehanna rivers 
meet. Marching up through what is now called 
the Welles farm, they encamped on the narrowest 
spot of the peninsula, near the bridge, about 190 

36 







fe 



fa 



SULLIVAN'S EXPEDITION IN 1779 37 

yards across, and erected a temporary fort, which 
they called Fort Sullivan, for the garrison of 250 
men, who were to remain there during the cam- 
paign. The fort was in the form of a diamond, 
extending from one rise of ground to the other, 
north and south, and from one river to the other, 
east and west, guard houses being at each point.* 
Many persons now living remember its location. 
Bullets have been found in quantities, and several 
cannon balls, one of which was found as late as 
1830, within the bounds of the fort, and is among 
our curiosities. Indian pestles, stone hatchets and 
arrow points have frequently been found, which 
denote where the savages have lived. 

They waited several days for General Clinton 
and his army, then at Otsego Lake, from whence 
they descended the Susquehanna river, with 200 
boats, by means of an artificial freshet, caused by 
throwing a dam across the outlet of the lake, and 
raising the water. When the dam was removed, 
it afforded them water sufficient to transport 
down the river their ordnance, stores and troops. 

They arrived at Tioga Point August 22d, and 
joined the army of Sullivan, under a salute of 
guns, with shouts and great rejoicing. The two 
armies united amounted to more than 5,000 
men. 

It is interesting to look back ninety years, and 
notice what was passing here at that time. Chief 
Justice Marshall states that the whole army of 
Washington amounted to about 16,000 men. Be- 

* These pages were written within the bounds of Fort Sul- 
livan. 



38 EARLY TIMES 

hold nearly one-third of them, marshaled on this 
point of land, between the rivers, preparing to 
move upon the savage foe, protected by a fort, 
where a vast quantity of provisions were stored 
for a large army. Behold nearly 2,000 packhorses 
grazing hereabouts, across the river, and 400 
barges lying at our shores. Scouts were being sent 
out over these hills and up these rivers to ascer- 
tain the strength of the enemy. Listen to the 
firing of the Eevolutionary muskets, and the 
formidable artillery echoing from mountain to 
mountain, to intimidate the enemy lurking about 
the hills, and hiding in the thicket of the pine 
plains above. Behold the martial array of the 
army, the music of the fife and drum, and the 
" Forward March " of the commander of the West- 
ern army. Their scouts had discovered an Indian 
village up the Tioga about fourteen miles, and the 
*army were in haste to reduce it. They proceeded 
up the river cautiously, for they knew they were 
moving upon a powerful foe, led by the detested 
John Butler and Johnson, Tories, and Brandt, the 
wily Indian Chief. 

Colonel Hartley remarks that " Chemung was 
the receptacle of all villainous Indians and Tories 
from the different tribes and States." Their en- 
gagement at Chemung was successful. They 
routed the enemy, destroyed their village, cut down 
their fruit trees, corn and vegetables, which, by 
the assistance of their Tory friends, they had in 
abundance, and laid everything waste. It was 
supposed that very many of the Indians were 
slain, and many of them drowned in the river. The 



SULLIVAN'S EXPEDITION IN 1779 39 

first engagement was at Chemung, another at 
Baldwin, then at the Narrows, where the enemy 
met with a great defeat. Captain Spalding and 
Colonel Franklin were in the thickest of the fight, 
and were both wounded. The army returned to 
Tioga to report victory. About thirty men fell in 
the battle. Colonel Hubley took those who w^ere 
killed in his regiment, six in number, placed them 
on horses and brought them to this place for inter- 
ment; and on the Saturday following, the bodies 
of those brave veterans w^ere interred, with mili- 
tary honors. Parson Eogers,* Chaplain, delivered 
a discourse on the occasion, probably the first 
Christian burial ever attended at Tioga Point. 
What a mournful procession must that have been, 
bearing those gallant dead to their place of burial. 
Where the precise spot is, who can tell? We are 
reminded that we are too late with our history to 
have many scenes of interest recorded, and they 
must necessarily be omitted. A generation ago, 
there were many officers and soldiers living among 
us who would gladly have entertained a listener 
with their thrilling accounts. Peace to the ashes 
of those men ! let them rest unknown and undis- 
turbed. 

After some days of preparation, at Fort Sulli- 
van, the army took up their line of march, to pur- 
sue the enemy further into the Indian country. 

From Tioga Point they moved to the upper end 
of " Tioga Flats," near the first Narrows and Span- 
ish Hill, where they encamped for the night. The 

* Rev. William Rogers, D. D., born 1751, died lS24, chaplain 
Hand's brigade — Sullivan's expedition. 



40 EARLY TIMES 

next morning they found a fording place for the 
artillery, pack horses and cattle, to cross the 
Chemung river. As the very narrow path on the 
north side of the river made it impracticable for 
them to pass, they crossed to the south side of the 
river, and after marching about a mile and a half, 
crossed again, and formed a junction with the 
Brigades of Generals Poor and Clinton, who had 
taken their route with much difficulty over the 
mountain on the north side of the river. Colonel 
Hubley says in his journal : " The prospect from 
the summit of this mountain is most beautiful. 
We had a view of the country at least twenty miles 
around. The fine, extensive plains, interspersed 
with streams of water, made the prospect pleasing 
and elegant." 

They pursued the course they had taken before, 
as far as Newtown (now Elmira), when they 
turned toward the Grenesee country, burning the 
Indian villages, destroying vast quantities of corn, 
and laying the country desolate. 

They returned by the way of Seneca Lake and 
" Catharine town," the residence of Catharine 
Monteur. They killed many of their worn out 
horses at what is called Horseheads, and arrived 
at Newtown. Thence they returned to Tioga 
Point, their place of rendezvous. There they were 
joyfully saluted by the garrison, had a sumptuous 
repast prepared by Colonel Shreive, enlivened by 
the music of the fife and drum. They had driven 
off the Indians, released many captives, and " Sul- 
livan had strictly executed the severe but necessary 
orders he had received, to render the country unin- 



SULLIVAN'S EXPEDITION IN 1779 41 

habitable, and had compelled the hostile Indians 
to remove to a greater distance." 

That Tioga Point was a place of importance in 
those days, is obvious. Here were the headquar- 
ters of this great army. Here they concentrated 
their forces. Here were their fort and supplies, 
and here they sent back their sick to recruit, and 
their dead for burial. Here they returned after 
their success in the Indian country, and here again 
they dispersed and sailed joyfully down the Sus- 
quehanna to Wyoming, and from thence reported 
at headquarters (Easton), "a successful expedi- 
tion against the Indians." 

One of the Oneida Indians was a faithful guide 
in this expedition. He was taken prisoner, how- 
ever, and cruelly put to death. 

The time employed in this work of devastation 
was less than two months, and the number of men 
slain, and lost by sickness, amounted to only 
about forty. 



VI 

MATTHIAS HOLLENBACK 

Mr. Miner supposes Mr. Holjenback to be a native 
of Virginia. But Mr. Peck, of later day, on the 
authority of Mr. H.'s family, records his birth at 
Jonestown, Lancaster county. Pa. 

Mr. H. came to Wyoming at an early period 
of its settlement by Connecticut people, identi- 
fied himself with its interests, and was valiant 
for the defense of the settlers, whose cause he con- 
sidered just. But after the decision of the Court 
of Trenton, he yielded to it, and was always a faith- 
ful subject of the laws of Pennsylvania. He was 
well known among the brave and generous, in those 
days that tried men's souls; a man of the common 
height, but stout, remarkably active, enterprising 
and successful in business, and possessing strong 
powers of mind. 

At the close of the Eevolutionary war in 1783^ 
Mr. Hollenback was employed by the government 
to supply the Indians, according to treaty, with 
articles they might need, such as brooches, beads^ 
blankets, and whiskey, and made his first estab- 
lishment quite into the Indian country, at New- 
town, a little below Elmira. John Shepard, my 
father, was his clerk in 1784. It was there an In- 
dian who became offended with Mr. Hollenback^ 
made an attempt upon his life. He came into the 

42 



MATTHIAS HOLLENBACK 43^ 

store quite intoxicated, witli his long knife con- 
cealed under his blanket, while Hollenback was 
writing at his desk. He drew near to him, and 
when preparing to make a plunge, young Shepard;^ 
who had been watching him, saw his knife, and 
suspecting his design, and having an ax helve in 
his hand, came up behind him, and struck the In- 
dian a heavy blow on his arm, when the knife 
dropped and the assassin made his escape. ] 

Before the country was much settled by white 
people, Mr. Hollenback established stores in many 
places along the Susquehanna Kiver. He came 
to Tioga Point in 1783. He first occupied a small 
temporary building, connected with the house of 
Mr. Alexander, on a cross street from the Chemung 
to the Susquehanna Elver, on the east side of the 
main street, just above the Chemung bridge, oppo- 
site the ferry, and near where Mr, Samuel Hep- 
burne's store Avas, on the Susquehanna River. The 
]3ine trees were growing quite down into the village, 
but where these stores stood was cleared ground and 
meadow. Being near the site of Fort Sullivan, it 
is supposed that the ground having been more oc- 
cupied, the low brush had not sprung up. The 
fort is said to have been built of earth and pine 
brush. 

Mr. Hollenback built his store on the corner of 
the lot adjoining the public square,* about the time 
the town was laid out, in 1786. Very many re- 
member this large, two-story building of hewn logs, 
in later days clapboarded, to give it a more modern 
appearance. It was a house and store together. 
The store was a long room, on the south side. On 

* Now the property of Mr. C. Hunsicker. 



44 EARLY TIMES 

the north were a parlor, sitting-room and kitchen. 
The upper rooms were pleasant and airy, and all 
the rooms had corner fire-places, built of stone. 
This building might furnish material for a history 
by itself. No pen has recorded the number of 
births, deaths, and marriages that have taken place 
in that one tenement. Some of the elite of our 
country have dwelt there. Congressmen, judges, 
lawyers, teachers, merchants, farmers, and mechan- 
ics have helped successively to make up the in- 
mates of this antiquated dwelling. 

It was here Mr. Hollenback opened his " new 
store," with its variety and attractions; dry goods 
and groceries for the whites, and beads, brooches, 
and blankets for the Indians, and rum for both. 
Mr. Daniel McDowell was clerk. 

The country was greatly accommodated by these 
early merchants. Many choice and useful articles 
were brought up the river from Philadelphia, in 
boats, for " Hollenback's store," and so great was 
the importance of this establishment that letters 
to individuals were addressed to " Hollenback's 
store," and the town itself was known more by that 
name than any other. 

The Indians did not all flee before Sullivan's 
army. Many that were feeble or peaceable were 
allowed to remain. It is related that at Catharine, 
the army found an aged Indian woman, alone and 
destitute. They built her a cabin, provided wood 
and provisions for her, and found her there when 
they returned. 

After the treaty of peace with Great Britain, 
many of the natives came back to their hunting 



MATTHIAS HOLLENBACK 45 

and fishing ground. It was hard to leave the lands 
they had inherited from their fathers. In a little 
time they became insolent and troublesome; and 
when stimulated by strong drink they were dan- 
gerous neighbors. At one time when Mr. H. was 
in his store, an Indian threw a brand of fire 
through a broken window on a barrel of gunpow- 
der. With instant thought, young Shepard, who 
was now clerk at this place, seized the brand, picked 
off the coals, and brushed off the flashing powder, 
scattered on the head of the barrel, and thus saved 
them all from sudden destruction. 

Judge Hollenback has often been heard to say: 
" That brave John Shepard has twice saved my 
life." They were friends in after life, and always 
seemed happy to meet and recount early times and 
adventures. 

Judge Hollenback was not long stationary at 
one place. It was enough to employ his time, to go 
from one trading post to another, and leave his 
business with efficient clerks. But he continued 
to make improvements at Tioga Point. He dug a 
well near his large " house and store " which still 
supplies water, " sparkling and bright." He 
planted apple trees, some of which now stand, and 
bear finiit, and are ornaments on that beautiful 
lot. May the trees and the w ell long remain ! He 
built a tenant house of logs on the same lot near 
the south line, which has accommodated many a 
family. Some have lived in good style in these 
buildings, with neatly papered rooms, carpeted 
floors, and handsome drapery. He also built a 
storehouse on the bank of the Chemung river, 



46 EARLY TIMES 

"^^liich accommodated the merchants generally. 
From there was heard the boat horn, sounding 
long and loud, more than half a century ago, an- 
nouncing the arrival of new goods, which produced 
greater sensation among the inhabitants than the 
arrival of cars at the depot at later date. The old 
storehouse at length became useless, was under- 
mined by water, and finally was set on fire, and 
vanished from our sight. The tenant house began 
to decay, and was torn down, and in 1849 the " Hol- 
lenback house and store " was deliberately torn 
down, and the cellar filled up, being about 63 years 
since it was built. 

John Jacob Astor once proposed a partnership 
in the fur trade with Mr. Hollenback, but having 
sufficient business to engage him on the Susque- 
hanna, Mr. H. declined. 

After many years they met, and Mr. Astor in- 
timated to Mr. Hollenback that he would take care 
of his son, if he would send him to him, to which 
he replied, " I thank you, sir ; he can take care of 
himself." Which proved true in the prosperous 
life of George M. Hollenback. 

In 1793, at the time of the revolution in France, 
Colonel Hollenback was employed by the Governor 
of Pennsylvania, the agent of Louis XVI., to pro- 
vide a place of retreat for the royal family of 
France, at some secluded spot on the Susquehanna. 
He purchased a tract of land in Luzerne, now Brad- 
ford county, which they called Asylum, to which 
place a large number of French families fled for 
protection, and where several of their descendants 
.still remain. 



VII 

NEW SHESHEQUIN 

At the time of Sullivan's march up the valley of 
Wyoming, as the army passed through Sheshequin 
valley, Captain Simon Spalding, who commanded 
a company, was much pleased with the appearance 
and location of the place, and resolved to make 
that his future residence. Captain Spalding was 
a native of Plainfleld, Conn. He was born in 1741, 
married Ruth Shepard, and removed to Wyoming 
at an early period of its settlement, and died at 
Sheshequin, in 1814. He was a large man, of fine 
personal appearance. He was a captain in the 
Eevolutionary war, and was constituted General 
in the militia after he removed to Sheshequin. He 
with his family, and several of his neighbors, re- 
moved from Wyoming to Sheshequin, in May, 1783. 
This beautiful valley was at that time covered with 
Indian grass, five or six feet high, to which these 
pioneers set fire, which ran through the valley 
about four miles. General Spalding, with his 
numerous sons and daughters, sons-in-law and 
daughters-in-law, occupied the upper part of the 
valley. The sons were John and Chester. John 
married Wealthy Gore, daughter of Obadiah Gore, 
Esq. Chester married Sarah Tyler, sister of 
Francis Tyler, of Athens. 

The daughters were: Mrs. Joseph Kinney, Mrs. 

47 



48 EARLY TIMES 

Moses Park, Mrs. William Spalding, mother of 
the late Robert Spalding, and Mrs. Briggs, well 
known among us, and Mrs. Kingsbury, wife of 
Colonel Joseph Kingsbury, known as a prominent 
surveyor and agent. 

These all had large and uncommonly fine look- 
ing families. 

Other families were added to the number: Mr. 
Fuller, Mr. Hoyt, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Snyder, and 
Mr. Shaw, father of the surviving son, now over 
ninety-four years of age. 

These families all had pleasant farms allotted 
them, extending from the river back to the moun- 
tain. They first bought of the Susquehanna Com- 
pany, under Connecticut title, in which state they 
enjoyed peace, quietness, and prosperity, and were 
able also to meet the Pennsylvania claim, hard as 
they might have felt it to be, when it was pre- 
sented. 

They found in this beautiful valley a variety of 
nuts and wild fruit, plums and cranberries. In a 
few short years, their presses began to burst forth 
with new cider, and their barns with plenty. Their 
butter and cheese, their pork and beans, Indian 
bread and honey, were not surpassed in their own 
native Connecticut. 

John Spalding, oldest son of General Spalding, 
was appointed Colonel of Militia, and was well 
situated on a fine farm of his own, and one pre- 
sented to his wife by her father, joining his. Colo- 
nel Spalding had an erect and stately figure, was 
lively in his manner, and proud of his wife and of 
his children, fourteen in number. Visitors were 




Judge Olsediapi Goke 



NEW SHESHEQUIN 49 

sometimes amused, when inquiry was made how 
many children they had. One of them would say, 
" Harry, Billy, Noah, Dyer, Simon, Sally, Ulysses, 
Wealthy, George, John, Charley, Zebulon, Avery, 
and Mary." They all grew up to be fine, stately 
sons and daughters ; but the mother outlived all 
but two, Mrs. General Welles and Mr. Zebulon B. 
Spalding, who reside with us. 

Joseph Kinney, Esq., from Killingly, Conn., one 
of the sons-in-law, was a man of intelligence and 
reading. Some of his descendants have partaken 
of his spirit, and have been noted for their literary 
turn. There have been among them professional 
men, editors, and statesmen. 

Mrs. Julia Scott, deceased, daughter of the late 
George Kinney, Esq., of Sheshequin, wrote much, 
and published a volume of poems, which showed 
a refined taste and cultivated mind, and her name 
has found a place in a volume of American poets. 
She died at Towanda, in 1842. 

Obadiah Gore was born in Norwich, Conn., 1744, 
and came to Wyoming with the early settlers. He 
was the eldest son of Obadiah Gore, Esq., who had 
seven sons engaged in the Eevolutionary war, a 
fact of which Colonel Stone speaks in his history 
of Wyoming as " The most remarkable in the his- 
tory of man. That a father and six * sons, including 
tw^o sons-in-law, should be engaged in the same 
battle field, is rarely, if ever known. Five corpses 
of a single family sleeping upon the cold bed of 
death together the self-same night! What a price 
did that family pay for liberty ! " Obadiah Gore 
came to Sheshequin in 1783, about the time Cap- 

* Colonel Stone says six, the number was seven. 



50 EARLY TIMES 

tain Spalding removed there, and settled in the 
lower part of the valley. Obadiah was an officer 
in Washington's army, and served through the 
war.* While Westmoreland sent representatives 
to Hartford, Mr. Gore was sent as assemblyman, 
and was prominent in public proceedings. He was 
a man of fine appearance, and dignity of character, 
and pleasing in his address. He submitted to the 
decree of Trenton, but was oh the committee re- 
monstrating against the repeal of the Confirming 
act, and after removing to Sheshequin, was ap- 
pointed Associate Judge for the Court of Luzerne 
county, and served for many years. He was a man 
of much taste, and cultivated a great variety of 
fruit. He also planted the mulberry tree and 
raised silkworms to some extent. He was at one 
time a merchant, and opened a store of goods in 
his house on the hill, where he always lived, at the 
same time carrying on farming quite extensively. 
There was much in his beautiful situation to com- 
fort his family and attract his friends. 

Obadiah Gore had five children and fifty-two 
grandchildren. He died March 22, 1821, aged 77 
years. 

Avery Gore, his son, married Lucy, daughter of 
Silas Gore, who fell in the massacre of Wyoming. 
Mrs. Gore was a rare woman. Her domestic man- 
agement of a very large family, part of the time 
consisting of four generations and numerous de- 

• * Obadiah Gore was engaged as an officer in General Sul- 
livan's army. He kept a connected journal of the entire cam- 
paign, which has been read by some of his grandchildren, and 
which, it is to be regretted, has been lost. 



NEW SHESHEQUIN 51 

pendents, was a marvel to all who knew her posi- 
tion, more than fifty years ago. " Rising while it 
was yet dark and giving meat to her household," 
she would apportion to her domestics the labors of 
the day, the spinning, weaving, and the dairy, at- 
tending to the butter and the cheese, for which she 
was noted, and the many supernumeraries, attend- 
ing upon all. These duties done systematically, 
day after day and year after year, with a quick 
step and a cheerful face; the impression was, 
" Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou 
excellest them all." 

She lived in the same house where she was mar- 
ried until the time of her death. She presided at 
her own table more than sixty years. When we 
last called upon her, her sun was declining, and 
she soon after died, in March, 1867, over 92 years 
of age. The eldest sister, Mrs. Wilkinson, who 
died some years ago, was also over 90 years old. 

Lucy, quite a little girl, was in Forty Fort at the 
time of the battle of Wyoming, with her mother 
and two other children. Her father, Silas Gore, 
and two of his brothers, were killed. Their names 
may now be seen on the monument, near the fatal 
spot. The children of the family remembered when 
the Indians took possession of the Fort, and many 
of their antics impressed their childish minds. 
They placed the ladies' caps and bonnets upon 
their own heads, put their side-saddles upon their 
own ponies and mounted them, riding in ladies' 
style, much to the merriment of all but the poor 
sufferers. They remembered how the fugitives 
waded through the Indian meal and corn and 



52 EARLY TIMES 

feathers knee deep when they were exiled from the 
Fort. Mrs. Gore, with a stricken heart, made her 
way with her three children to a boat, which took 
her to a place of safety. 

Samuel Gore came to Sheshequin with his 
brother, Obadiah, and owned a farm adjoining his, 
which was, at one time, considered very valuable; 
but some parts of it, as well as other farms in She- 
shequin, have suffered greatly from the floods and 
back-water from Towanda dam. 

Mr. Gore was Justice of the Peace, and had the 
business of the neighborhood at that time. Among 
the numerous marriages he was called to perform, 
was that of old Mrs. Northrop, about 90, and old 
Mr. Howder, a few years younger, in about the 
year 1830. They lived above the Narrows in 
Athens, and both took their staves in hand and 
walked down to Squire Gore's, five or six miles,. for 
the performance of the ceremony. Mr. Gore was 
fond of pleasantry, and told them it was necessary 
to have some witnesses for the occasion. He there- 
fore sent to some of the neighbors, whom he in- 
vited to attend the wedding. 

After the marriage, this unique bride and groom 
took their staves in hand again and started home- 
ward. It is said that Mrs. Howder lived to be over 
a hundred years old. 

About 1790, Mr. Gore was once coming home 
from Owego, where he had been to make some pur- 
chases, with his knapsack upon his back. He 
found the Indians quite numerous and hostile at 
Tioga Point, and the river very high, and could 
not cross it that night. For safety, he climbed a 



NEW SHESHEQUIN 53 

tree opposite the island, and secured himself by a 
strap, where he stayed through the night. Early 
the next morning he went to the ferry with all pos- 
sible stillness, where the ferryman took him across 
the river and he went on his way in safety. A 
part of Samuel Gore's history has been previously 
noticed, in order to give his petition to Congress, 
containing a particular account of the Wyoming 
massacre, and attending circumstances. We have 
thought it unnecessary to give any other history 
of that memorable event. 

It was inserted in that part of our record, in or- 
der to give those statements in their proper chron- 
ological order. 

Moses Park, of Stonington, Connecticut, who 
married a daughter of General Spalding, was a 
Baptist minister, and preached to a small Baptist 
church in Sheshequin, of w^hich Joseph Kinney 
was Deacon. They, with many others, afterward 
embraced Universalism. 

His son, Chester Park, is a licensed local Meth- 
odist preacher. His ministrations over these hills 
and among these valleys have been acceptable and 
very useful. 

Mr. Jabez Fish and family came from Wilkes- 
barre at a later period and settled at Sheshequin. 
Mr. and Mrs. Fish had been members of the Rev. 
Ard. Hoyt's church, of Wilkesbarre, who afterward 
went on a mission to the Cherokee nation, at Mis- 
sion Ridge, Georgia. They united with the Congre- 
gational Church at Athens in 1812. Mr. Fish died in 
a few years after, and Mrs. Fish lived long to honor 
her profession. She was much interested in the 



54 EARLY TIMES 

missionary cause. Her granddaughter, Mrs. Tracy, 
has recently gone on a mission to Turkey. 

Breakneck, the lower part of Sheshequin, was 
known by that name at the time Sullivan's army 
passed through the narrows. Col. Hubley states 
in his journal : " So high and so narrow^ was the 
path at Breakneck Hill, a single false step must 
inevitably carry one to the bottom, the distance of 
180 feet perpendicular ; " and yet, an army of more 
than 3,000 men with their long train of packhorses, 
marched through this dangerous pass in safety. 
They then " entered the charming valley of She- 
shequin, made a halt at a most beautiful run, and 
took a bit of dinner." 

It has been said that a squaw fell from the preci- 
pice years ago and broke her neck, and it is gen- 
erally supposed this circumstance gave name to 
the place, and a face was painted on the rocks, by 
a rough artist, commemorating the event, which, 
perhaps, is still visible. 

Obadiah. Gore, son of Avery Gore, has a short 
and ancient record of a title, of much interest, a 
duplicate of which is as follows: 

INDIAN TITLE 

" Nicolas Tatemy, an Indian Chief, bought of 
the State or Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in 
1783, a tract of land, 180^ acres, in the center of 
Sheshequin, and sold it to John Brotsman, a gen- 
tleman of Philadelphia. This farm was bought 
of Mr. B. by Obadiah Gore, grandfather of the 
present occupant, who gave it to his grandson for 
his name. The draft of land was called Indelela- 



NEW SHESHEQUIN 55 

mookong, situated on the East Branch of the Sus- 
quehanna river, opposite an Indian settlement 
called Sheshequinung, lying in Northumberland 
Co., Pa. Eeturned to Surveyor's office for John 
Lukens." 

It is pleasant to visit the valley of Sheshequin, 
where so many of our fathers and grandfathers 
have lived and died; where cluster so many pleas- 
ant associations, and where we have spent so many 
of our youthful days. We remember while there 
seeing the total eclipse of 1806, when the chickens 
went to roost, the cows went lowing home, and the 
teacher and scholars ran home in dismay. 

We remember the old barn, which has just fal- 
len under the weight of more than four score years, 
and the additional pressure of a heavy snow, the 
first frame building in Bradford, then a part of 
Luzerne Co., built in 1786; and also the house of 
our grandfather, built a little later, and now un- 
dergoing extensive repairs. We felt like saying 
" Woodman, spare that tree," when we heard it 
was to pass through a revolution; but have been 
gratified to find some parts of it remaining un- 
changed, and we can there see the old tall clock, 
and the spy-glass which Lieutenant Gore carried 
in the army of the Revolution, and which children 
and children's children have been permitted to look 
through, as a special favor. There have been many 
living in Sheshequin remarkable for their longev- 
ity. We could name numbers who have lived more 
than four score years, and several over ninety. 



VIII 

OLD SHESHEQUIN 

The west side of the river, known as Ulster, was 
called by the Indians Sheshequinung, and was a 
place of great importance among them. It was 
earlier known and settled by them than the oppo- 
site side of the river, now called Sheshequin. It 
was the termination of the great Sheshequin war 
path from the West Branch, by Lycoming Creek, 
thence to Beaver Dam, thence down Sugar Creek 
to Sheshequin flats. 

The Moravians state that the Chief Echgohund 
resided here. It was a Monsey town, inhabited 
by that ferocious tribe whose emblem was a wolf. 
Queen Esther's village was composed of a part of 
this tribe, and they partook of the same spirit. 

After the Indians were driven off, the early white 
settlers called it Old Sheshequin, and those on the 
opposite side called their settlement New Sheshe- 
quin. They were settled about the same time, prin- 
cipally by Wyoming people, whose sympathies were 
strong and lasting. 

When the township was surveyed by the Sus- 
quehanna Company, they included the two settle- 
ments and called the township Ulster, which 
remained so many years ; but in 1820 the township 
was divided, the west side was called Ulster, and 
the east side Sheshequin. So that on the west side 

56 



OLD SHESHEQUIN 57 

of the river, the original Sheshequinung, has alto- 
gether lost its ancient Indian name. 

Among the early white settlers were Captain 
Simons, Mr. Holcomb, Mr. Tracy, Captain Clark, 
Captain Cash, Captain Kice, and afterwards Mr. 
Overton, an Englishman, who purchased of Tracy, 
and was the father of the Overton family now 
among us. Mrs. Overton, who came to this coun- 
try some years after her husband, was a lady of 
polished manners, and very beautiful. 

This was quite a social community, and they 
lived in much peace and quietness. A Baptist 
Church was formed here, at an early period, and 
the sacraments were administered alternately on 
the east and west sides of the river. 

Captain Cash and his wife, Mrs. Overton and 
Mrs. Rice died nearly at the same time, of a fever 
that prevailed throughout the country in 1812. 
Anna Cash, the eldest daughter of Captain Cash, 
was left with the entire care of her father's large 
family, and did herself much honor by her faith- 
ful attention to them, until they were otherwise 
provided for. She afterwards married Colonel 
Lockwood, who was known here many years. She 
brought up a large family of her own, and died at 
her old home in 1865. 



IX 

JOHN SHEPARD 

In his journal, written at Tioga Point, and dated 
1784, Mr. Shepard says : " I was born in Plain- 
field, Connecticut, April ITth, 1765. Went to 
school in the Academy there, taught by Nathan 
Daboll " — the arithmetician and astronomer. 

His uncle. Captain Simon Spalding, came from 
Wyoming to Connecticut, after the close of the 
Kevolutionary war, to purchase cattle. He says: 
" I went home with him, and was then eighteen 
years old. We had a long and tedious journey — 
were fifteen days before we arrived at Wyoming 
with the cattle. I continued there two weeks, then 
went up the river with my uncle, and remained 
with him at Sheshequin until December 18th, 1784. 
From thence I engaged as clerk for Weiss & Hol- 
lenback, in the Indian country, at Newtown, now 
Elmira. It was more than twenty miles from any 
white inhabitants. 

" I continued there until April, then bought 158 
pounds (about |500 worth) of goods of Weiss 
& Hollenback, to carry farther into the Indian 
country. Went first to a place called Tioga 
Point to obtain packhorses. The streams were 
high, so that many times I waded up to my waist, 
and my man Brown was thrown from his horse, 
and carried down stream several rods by the swift 
water. We went back to the store, packed up my 

58 




John Shepard 



JOHN SHEPARD 59 

goods, and started with them the 23d of April, 
1785. I came to a place called Catharine Town. 
There I continued two days among the Indians, 
and sold part of my load. I arrived at Canoga on 
Cayuga lake, the 29th of April." ( Canoga is nearly 
opposite Aurora, and noted as the birthplace of 
Eed Jacket.) 

"The 6th of May I sent my man back to Weiss 
•& Hollenback's store with skins and furs to ex- 
change for more goods. During his absence I lived 
nine days without seeing any person except sav- 
ages. I amused myself by walking about, but 
dared not go out of sight of my cabin, for fear of 
having my goods stolen, 

" May 15th, Messrs. Leonard and Dean came by 
way of Seneca river and lake, with a boat load of 
goods from Albany, and in two days more six boat 
loads came. I sold to them sundry articles, bought 
of them gum, flour, brooches, blankets, &c. I w^ent 
to Newtow^n the first day of June. The night I 
arrived there the Indians had a drunken frolic, 
and fell upon us, and we were obliged to make our 
escape. 

" I went to Canoga again, June 18th, and sent 
William to Tioga Point. After his return, I was 
taken sick with fever and ague, which continued 
until October. I started for Tioga Point, and at 
Newtown met two men from Niagara, who told me 
that the Indians had killed and taken a number of 
white people, and there was much alarm. 

" That night I came back to Tioga Point. Wil- 
liam stayed with me until the 4th of January, 1786. 

" The State line was run this year by Kitten- 



60 EARLY TIMES 

house and others. I engaged with Hollenback again 
as clerk at Tioga Point, and continued with him 
through 1787." 

It would seem that the Indians had become quite 
numerous and troublesome about this time. Many 
of them had returned with strong attachments to 
their native soil. Some felt that they had not been 
fairly dealt with, and many were influenced by the 
love of strong drink, with which they could here- 
be supplied, and here was their incomparable hunt- 
ing and fishing ground. 

With these attractions, many of the natives were 
returning, which created serious apprehensions 
among the white people. 

Two intoxicated Indians were at one time in a 
quarrel. One ran into Hollenback's store, the other 
pursued him with his rifle and shot him dead, then 
made his escape — the blood streaming in every 
direction about the store. Mr. Shepard witnessed 
this terrible scene. They seldom offered him any 
violence. He was quite a favorite with them. 
They admired his bravery, sometimes calling him 
" Yankoo Bravoo," and he often went by the name 
of " Conidehecut " among them. He in turn ad- 
mired some of their characteristics, and often ex- 
pressed much regard for them. 

While the natives remained, there was much 
trade with them in the article of furs. They found 
" plenty bear, plenty deer " on the mountains and 
plains. The dense pines within the hills and rivers 
formed a cool retreat for them, from the sultry sun 
in summer, and protection from the cold blasts of 
winter. Deer skins were abundant, and from sev- 



JOHN SHEPARD 61 

eral bills among Mr. Shepard's old papers, it ap- 
pears that other animals abounded. One bill of 
sale mentions 24 bear skins, 31 martin and mink 
skins, 5 fishers, 2 otters, 1 wild cat, 44 raccoons. 

The journal continues : " January, 1788, bought 
Prince Bryant's mills, and an adjoining lot of 
Nathaniel Shaw called the mill lot, on which were 
a saw mill, grist mill, and two dwelling houses." 
These lots were the first land purchase made by 
Mr. Shepard. They were bought under Connecti- 
cut title. Subsequently the Pennsylvania title was 
demanded and met. This purchase embraced the 
land on both sides of Cayuta or Shepard's Creek, 
from the State line down to Morley's mill, includ- 
ing Milltown. It was in the deed called a gore of 
land, containing 600 acres, for which he paid 600 
pounds in New York currency, |2.50 per acre. 

In this purchase, the grist mill was an important 
acquisition, being the only one within 50 miles. It 
was run both night and day. Loads of grain were 
brought to it from distances of twenty, thirty and 
fifty miles, in boats, canoes, carts, and sleighs. 

Mr. Shepard was once returning from New York 
in a buggy, and was overtaken by a heavy snow 
storm, 150 miles from home, which made it neces- 
sary for him to exchange his vehicle for a sleigh. 
More difference was required than Mr. S. was pre- 
pared to advance, but said he, " I will give you my 
note." The landlord hesitated, as he was an entire 
stranger. When Mr. S. said, " Have you ever 
heard of ' Shepard's Mill '? " " O, yes." " I am the 
man," said Mr. S. "Well," said the landlord, 
" Take the sleigh and give me your note." 



62 EARLY TIMES 

Among Mr. Shepard's papers is a statement of 
the " Boundaries of a lease dated March, 1787, 
from the Chiefs of the Senecas and Cayugas, to 
Benjamin Birdsall, Simon Spalding, John Shep- 
ard, Matthias Hollenback, Obadiah Gore, Elijah 
Bush, and many others, beginning at the Narrows, 
five miles above Newtown, on the Tioga; thence 
east to Awaga Creek ; thence down the Awaga to the 
Susquehanna river; thence down said river until 
it strikes the Pennsylvania line; then on said line 
until it strikes the 79 mile stone; from thence, a 
northerly course to the place of beginning." But 
little is known respecting this lease, except the 
above description. The Indians lost their lands, 
and it is supposed that the " Lease Company " did 
not receive much emolument from them. 

June 3d, 1790, Mr. Shepard married Anna, 
daughter of Judge Gore, of Sheshequin, and set- 
tled on a farm at Milltown, which he bought of 
John Jenkins under Connecticut title, for the sum 
of one hundred pounds, Pennsylvania money; con- 
taining about three hundred and forty acres on 
the opposite side of the creek from the mills. He 
lived on this farm more than twenty years. Six 
of his children were born there. His wife and eld- 
est son died there. Near the close of the last cen- 
tury he made large purchases of land, and at one 
time owned on the State line, from the Tioga to 
the Susquehanna river. 

In 1796, he says, " Purchased of T. Thomas, of 
Westchester County, 1,000 acres of land in the 
State of New York, beginning 52 rods east of 59 
mile stone." The consideration for the same was 



JOHN SHEPARD 63 

two thousand pounds lawful money of the United 
States. This purchase embraced the whole of 
Waverly, Factoryville, and several farms back on 
the hill. 

Some years after this purchase, Mr. Shepard in- 
terceded with General Thomas to set off a portion 
of his large patent, extending to Buckville, for 
church purposes, which he consented to do. But 
the object was deferred, and the General becoming 
weary of his vast possessions, having no children, 
left all to his wife. 

Mr. Shepard built a house for his brother-in-law, 
Josiah Pierce, near Chemung river, on the hill. 
This was a house of entertainment for travelers, 
and accommodated the long train of judges, law- 
yers, and witnesses on horseback that passed back 
and forth during the sessions of Court held al- 
ternately at Owego and Newtown, shire towns for 
old Tioga County. 

Mr. Pierce had a son Chester, 18 years old, who 
was riding a spirited horse through the pines, to- 
wards Milltown. When about half way, a boy 
frightened the horse, and young Pierce was thrown 
from the saddle. One of his feet caught in the stir- 
rup, and he was dragged on the ground, and so 
injured that he very soon died. 

He was the first one interred in the Milltown 
burying ground. The Pierce place was afterwards 
owned by Isaac Shepard, son of John Shepard, 
whose extensive grounds are now in the possession 
of his sons C. H, and W. W. Shepard. The house 
Was burned in 1853. 

The journal adds, " December, 1798, my grists 



64 EARLY TIMES 

mill was burned, and with hard labor saved the 
saw-mill. Rebuilt the grist mill, and with the as- 
sistance of friends had the mill in operation in 
about six weeks." Such was the spirit of the peo- 
ple at this period. 

During this suspension of the mill, the long canoe 
was dispatched with grain for Hollenback's mills 
at Wilkesbarre, 80 miles distant, and the horse 
mill of Mr. Alexander was in operation day and 
night, to supply the inbahitants with bread. 

1799. The Compromising law was passed by the 
Legislature of Pennsylvania. This was followed 
by law suits about the improvements on lands that 
had been occupied by Connecticut claimants. 

Colonel Pickering suggested the Compromising 
law, and was the principal agent in securing its 
enactment, although he was decidedly in favor of 
Pennsylvania. In his " Concise Narrative " he ad- 
mits, " That it is not surprising that Connecticut 
should claim that part of Pennsylvania which was 
comprehended in a charter, twenty years older 
than Mr. Penn's, and that all things considered, 
the Pennsylvania Legislature should be disposed 
to view the subject in dispute in the most favorable 
light for the unfortunate settlers." 

By the terms of this law, " Commissioners ap- 
pointed by the State were to re-survey lots claimed 
by the Connecticut settlers, a certificate was to be 
issued to the State, on presenting which to the land 
office, and paying the small compensation fixed, 
he should receive a patent." * 

It was a time of prosperity with Mr. Shepard 
about the beginning of this century. His grist- 
* Miner's History. 



JOHN SHEPARD 65 

mill, saw-mill, fulling-mill, oil-mill, and distillery 
afforded him quite a revenue, although attended 
with great expense. His zeal in land purchases 
was almost unbounded. Whenever he heard of 
land to be disposed of, he would secure it if pos- 
sible. But taxes, and Pennsylvania claims, be- 
gan to be so onerous that it checked his ardor, and 
as he grew older, he felt that in being so desirous 
for the world he was only pursuing a phantom that 
had no substance. The providences of God, too, 
were preparing him to look at life in its true 
light. 

In 1804 his diary says, " Began to build my large 
house in Milltown this season, and made prepara- 
tions to build my new mill near the river." 

1805. " At this time I began to see there was a 
God that governs the world. This year He brought 
heavy aflSictions upon me, to which I was not re- 
signed, but hope I may realize in His own time it 
is for good." 

February 7th, " My first born son Prentice was 
taken from me by death, with a very short illness. 
A fall while skating produced dropsy on the brain, 
and he died in about six weeks. He was a fine 
looking youth, 15 years old, large of his age, and 
the pride of his father." 

August. " My uncle, Doct. Amos Prentice, next 
door, was taken from us by death, with a very 
short illness." Dr. P. was a much esteemed friend, 
whose society he prized, and on whom he depended 
as family physician, and instructor for his chil- 
dren. 

September 7th. " The wife of my youth was 



66 EARLY TIMES 

taken from me by death, by a fall from a car- 
riage. She remained unconscious until the next 
day." A short time before her death, which oc- 
curred 30 hours after receiving her injury, she re- 
vived and looking around upon her husband and 
six children, was only able to say, " I am going to 
the world of spirits." 

" Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by, behold 
and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow 
which is done unto me, wherewith the Lord hath 
afflicted me in the day of his fierce anger." 

1806. In the fall of this year Wm. Prentice, son 
of Dr. Prentice, a lawyer on whom Mr. Shepard 
depended to assist him in business, died of fever. 
With all these afflictions upon him at once, he made 
arrangements for his family, and still pursued his 
business, sorely bereaved as he had been. He fin- 
ished his mill toward the river, and his large house 
at Milltown. 

He purchased his first Pennsylvania title of the 
Howell Company, with Philip Cranse, 500 acres on 
the west side of the river, on the State line. This 
tract included the farms of Cranse, Dr. Wood- 
worth, Robb, Fordham, and Wheelock. 

1809. " Sold my old mill to Samuel Naglee of 
Philadelphia." 

June. " Sent to Stonington, Connecticut, for 
my sister Grant, a widow, to keep house for me." 
(She brought two daughters with her, afterwards 
Mrs. Stephens and Mrs. Howard. ) 

1807. Thomas Shields presented his claim as 
Pennsylvania landholder against the farm Mr. 
Shepard had bought of Jenkins, under Connecticut 



JOHN SHEPARD 67 

title, and where he had lived with his family many 
years, adjoining the Howell and Pickering tract, 
containing 384 acres, for which he paid Mr. Shields 
the sum of |1590 in different installments. In 
those days we heard much about paying for land 
twice. 

1808, " Josiah Crocker came from Lee, Massa- 
chusetts, with a large family of Puritanic stamp. 
He was the first person who held regular religious 
meetings on the Sabbath, in Athens, and taught 
the Assembly's catechism." 

1807. " Built saw-mill and fulling-mill with Jo- 
seph Crocker." This was the mill at Factoryville, 
which Mr. A. Brooks afterwards bought and en- 
larged for a woolen manufactory, and was burned 
in 1853. 

1809. Mr. Shepard received his first commis- 
sion as Justice of the Peace from Governor Simon 
Snyder, to officiate in the township of Athens and 
Ulster, County of Lycoming. In 1812 the County 
of Bradford was created out of Lycoming County, 
embracing the northern townships, including Ath- 
ens, and he received another Commission constitut- 
ing him a Justice of the Peace in Athens, Brad- 
ford County. 

May 18th, 1811, Mr. Shepard married his second 
wife on Long Island, a Miss Hawkins, of Stony 
Brook, a lady of remarkable culture and refine- 
ment, and very companionable with the children 
she had adopted. 

She had five children, two sons and three daugh- 
ters. She died January 18th, 1844. 

1813. The journal continues, " Sold my house 



68 EARLY TIMES 

in Milltown to Benjamin Jacobs, with 90 acres of 
land." 

1814, " Made a contract for Pickering tract of 
614 acres. In June removed my family on this 
tract." (Harris place.) 

Mr. Shepard made great improvements on this 
farm. He hired four " Green Mountain Boys," 
who had come to seek a place in the new country, 
for the purpose of clearing off the dense yellow 
pine timber. The trees readily fell before these 
active woodmen. It was quite a source of amuse- 
ment to the youngsters to stand in the door, or look 
out of the windows, and see the falling and hear 
the crashing of the trees as they tumbled to the 
ground, and then the rolling of the logs together, 
preparatory to burning. It was interesting at 
the time of the burning of the fallows, to see the 
curling smoke and ascending flames, and we can 
now easily credit the theory since advanced that 
" artificial rains can be produced by combustion." 
Without understanding the theory, we noticed the 
fact, when we were children, and always looked 
for a shower in hot weather, soon after the burn- 
ing of a fallow. 

1814. This year there was heavy snow and a 
hard winter. The wolves were driven down from 
the mountains in search of food, and many sheep 
were devoured by them. They could be heard 
howling at all times of night. The inhabitants 
were much in fear of them, and were afraid to pass 
from Milltown to Athens, even in the day time. 
There was no traveling after dark, so great was 
the fear and danger. "^ The sheep were often called 



JOHN SHEPARD 69 

into the door-yard, and lights were kept burning 
for their protection. Bears and panthers were 
sometimes seen between the rivers. Bounties were 
offered for killing these animals, and those that 
were not killed retired to the mountains. 

1817. " Removed my family from Pickering 
tract to Campbell farm on Howell tract. Built a 
house, barn, shed, &c." This was the last of my 
father's earthly homes. Here he lived 20 years. 
This we now call " the old place." He still pos- 
sessed much activity of spirit, and was engaged 
in disposing of the lands he had accumulated, upon 
which the taxes and state claims had become quite 
burdensome. He managed to retain a comfortable 
portion for his family, and gave much for benevo- 
lent objects, often paying a large share of the min- 
ister's salary, and always extended an open hand 
to the poor, not unfrequently presenting a deed of 
five acres of land to families that were needy. 
Even at this late period of life, his alert mind 
would often suggest improvements and advantages 
for others. About the year 1820 an article written 
by a traveler, in the distant regions of California, 
came to his notice and greatly interested him. The 
writer described the climate as delightful, and the 
soil as incomparably rich, and abounding in ores. 
" Gold was frequently seen glittering in the earth 
of which the rough wigwams of the Indians were 
built, they, at that time, not comprehending its 
value." After this, Mr. Shepard was often heard 
to say, " If I were a young man I would go to C8i\i- 
fornia." He did not go to California, but in 1849 
two grandsons, and a little later, two sons and three 



70 EARLY TIMES 

other grandsons, went to that attractive country. 
Isaac Shepard, one of the grandsons, in conse- 
quence of failing health, attempted to return home, 
but died on the " Pacific side," and was buried in 
the sea. 

December 31, 1832. " Gave my sons Isaac and 
Job a deed for the mill at Factoryville, each half 
the mill and utensils." 

This is about the close of Mr. Shepard's memo- 
randa. He began to grow feeble and the infirmi- 
ties of age were pressing upon him. He arranged 
his worldly affairs as far as was possible; after 
which he devoted much of his time to religious 
exercises, private and public. He was often heard 
to pray for a blessing upon his children, and chil- 
dren's children, to the latest generation. He was a 
constant attendant upon the house of prayer. The 
Bible, with Scott's Comments, became almost his 
entire reading for the last few years of his life. 
On the day of his death he rode to the village on 
horseback, returned home at evening, attended fam- 
ily worship, sang a hymn as was his custom, and 
retired to rest. About an hour after Mrs. S. en- 
tered the room. She spoke to him, but he answered 
not. His spirit had taken its flight. 

" Oh, death, where is thy sting. Oh, grave where 
is thy victory," was a fitting inscription for his 
tomb. He died May 15th, 1837, aged 73 years. 



X 

CLAVERACK 

On the 22d day of August, 1800, Colonel Benjamin 
Dorrance, of Kingston, Pa., and John Shepard, of 
Athens, entered into an arrangement by which they 
became mutual partners in a large purchase of land 
of the Susquehanna Company, conveyed to them 
by former claimants. 

This tract, lying south of Ulster, had been sur- 
veyed* by John Jenkins at an early period, for the 
Susquehanna Company, and was called the town- 
ship of Claverack (one of the seventeen townships). 
It was situated on both sides of the Susquehanna, 
and embraced what is now called Wysox and 
Towanda. 

At this period the Connecticut title to land was 
held in very light estimation, and considered only 
of a nominal value; still it was of some impor- 
tance, as the state government was disposed to treat 
Connecticut settlers with consideration, and grant 
them easier terms in the purchase of lands, in con- 
sequence of the great losses they had suffered. 

On Mr. Shepard's record of expenses on this prop- 
erty, called " mammoth farm," the first date is 
1801. Then follows a long catalogue of various 
expenditures. Among others, in 1807 is a receipt 
of George Haines, of |15, for " Surveying the un- 
divided moiety of twelve thousand three hundred 

Tl 



72 EARLY TIMES 

acres," and another in 1808 of |36, " for obtaining 
a patent from the State." A copy of the State 
survey, sent to him by the Surveyor-General in 
1816, is neatly and elegantly executed. It shows 
much deference to the Susquehanna Company, 
finding their allotments, and is bounded by the 
same limits. 

The whole amounted to thirteen thousand and 
six acres, and deducting 826 acres re-leased to 
owners under Pennsylvania titles, left 12,180 acres. 

This mammoth farm added not a little to Mr. 
Shepard's cares and labors. It cost him many 
wearisome days and nights, traveling back and 
forth from his home, and was often attended with 
perplexities. 

The late Col. J. M. Piolette, Esq., acted as attor- 
ney for Col. Dorrance many years. Messrs. Pio- 
lette and Shepard were often engaged together in 
business relating to this land, in selling and giv- 
ing deeds of release to those who would obtain a 
patent for themselves. The business was brought 
to a close about 1830. Numerous settlers located 
in Claverack, early in the beginning of the cen- 
tury, more on the east than on the west side of the 
river. In Wysox, the names of Pierce, Morgan, 
Coolbaugh, Ridgway, York, Warner, and Price, 
appear among the early settlers, and the mills of 
Squire Myres, the elder, gave employment to many, 
while Hollenback's store, near Breakneck road, in 
the long log building, gave life to the place. 

Meansville, or Towanda, on the opposite side of 
the river, was a solitary street for some years after 
the opening of the new century, and apparently a 



CLAVERACK 73 

place of not much promise. Some of the early set- 
tlers were Means, Mix, Fox, Bingham, Tracy, Pat- 
ten, and Hale. A public house, a store, and Mrs. 
Gregory's school made attractions, and brought 
many to the place. The school became quite cele- 
brated, and children were sent from some distance 
to receive the benefit of Mrs. G.'s instruction and 
discipline, which was thought severe, but proved 
beneficial. 

Mr. Gregory purchased of Shepard and Dor- 
rance, under the Connecticut title, two valuable 
lots, Nos. 57 and 58, containing 177 acres, in the 
north part of Towanda, but was not able to secure 
a patent from the State. He therefore sold his 
improvement, and the lots were assigned to Mr. 
Shepard, who sold them in 1818 for about 60 cents 
per acre. 

After the division of the lots in the township of 
Claverack, between the parties, in 1826 Mr. Dor- 
rance leased the most of his lands, and thereby 
made himself wealthy. Mr. Shepard, more desirous 
to bring matters to a close, sold as opportunities 
presented, and often at a great sacrifice. He spent 
a great part of his life in hard labor, visiting the 
settlers on the mountains and elsewhere, selling, 
re-leasing, and collecting what he could; and be- 
coming weary by care and age, he settled up his 
interest in the " mammoth farm " hastily, and 
much to his disadvantage. The discovery of the 
Barclay coal mines, near Towanda, in the early 
part of the century, and the Bradford county seat 
being established there in 1812, have rendered To- 
wanda a place of importance, containing now more 



74 EARLY TIMES 

than 3,000 inhabitants, with the prospect of still 
more rapid growth.* 

* A gentleman who has lived at Gowanda, a town on the 
borders of the Cattaraugus Reservation, in western New York, 
has remarked that Gowanda, meaning a totvn among the hills 
lyy the water side, is doubtless the same name as Towanda 
with us, which is situated in a similar manner. 

The ancestors of the Indians on the Reservation having once 
resided on the Susquehanna river, we may suppose they trans- 
ferred many of their ancient names. 

Recent excavations confirm the impression that Towanda was 
a town of 'importance among the Aborigines, and it is probable 
that the meaning of this name also, is a town among the hills 
fey the water side. 



XI 

THE COLLINS MURDER 

As Major Abram Snell, who was then 85 years old, 
was passing one day, I said to him, " I have been 
wishing to see you, and talk about early times. 
You were among the first settlers here, I believe." 
" Bless you, yes," said he ; " my father came here 
when there was but one house in the place, and 
there were but few white people about. I was the 
first white child born in the township of Athens." 
" Do you remember anything about the murder 
of an Indian, and the excitement it occasioned? " 
" Bless you, yes. There w^as a white man living 
here by the name of Collins, who had accumulated 
considerable property. He was a steady man, but 
was taken with the fever and ague, and was ad- 
vised to take whiskey for a remedy. He became 
intemperate. There was an Indian living with 
him, as a servant. In one of Collins' drunken 
spells he met him at the corner of the old Hollen- 
back house, and, in a fit of anger, killed him with 
an ax. His body was secreted in the cellar, and 
the few white inhabitants were in terror, through 
fear of savage revenge. The Indians collected in 
great numbers. The white people sent for Colonel 
Franklin, General Spalding, and Judge Gore. They 
concluded it was best to send messengers to a 
Chief, then at Newtown, and lay the whole subject 

75 



76 EARLY TIMES 

before him. He called a council of war, and many 
Indians, Squaws, and Pappooses, came with him^ 
dressed in gay colors, with goose and raven feath- 
ers, and their faces painted on one side, denoting 
that they were for peace or war, according to cir- 
cumstances. They demanded the body of Collins, 
to torture and burn him, as their only terms of 
reconciliation. But he had made his escape. The 
white people proposed to give up all his property 
to them, and it was not until much more was 
pledged to them that they would come to any 
terms. Money and goods, to a large amount, were 
brought forward, and the white inhabitants were 
saved from the threatening storm of savage 
barbarity." 

Mr. C. Stephens' account of the murder of the 
Indian by Collins confirms the statements of Mr. 
Snell. He thinks it took place about two years 
previous to the treaty with the Indians. He says 
at the time of the great excitement about the mur- 
der, the rage of the natives knew no bounds. They 
collected in great numbers, and demanded the body 
of Collins, but he had made his escape down the 
river in a canoe, while his friends diverted the 
attention of the natives by engaging with them in 
forming a ring, of some extent, to search for 
Collins. 

There were then but few white inhabitants, ten 
Indians to one white man. The inhabitants were 
in the greatest consternation and terror; nothing 
could exceed their distress, expecting every man, 
woman, and child would be massacred. The wife 
of Collins gave up her husband's horses and wagon 



THE COLLINS MURDER 77 

to tliem, and many others gave them presents of 
various kinds, and they became pacified. The In- 
dians took the body of the murdered man, and 
buried him according to their customary forms, in 
the back part of the old burying grounds at Athens. 
We have no date of the time when the Collins mur- 
der took place, except that of Mr. Stephens. It 
was doubtless one of the murders alluded to by 
Colonel Stone in his account of the treaty. Mr. 
Stephens says : " I did not attend the treaty, being 
very young at the time, but remember seeing the 
Indians pass by my father's, by scores and hun- 
dreds, toward the Point. They assembled near the 
bank of the Susquehanna River, a little below the 
bridge, in the rear of Dr. Hopkins' house and the 
Stone Church, on a low plot of ground, which has 
since been nearly washed away. On their return 
to Newtown about forty of the men camped for a 
few days on my father's premises, near Spanish 
Hill, three miles north of Athens. Red Jacket was 
with them. One day two of the Indians became 
engaged in a quarrel, and a fight ensued. A third 
sprang for the crank of a grindstone to assist one 
of them who became involved in the contest. The 
Chief, hearing the noise, and seeing the tumult, ran 
to a dinner pot, rubbed his hands on the outside 
of it, and blackened his face. My mother said to 
him, ' Why do you do that? ' He laughed and 
replied, ' You'll see,' and ran directly, without 
speaking a word, to the fight. The moment they 
saw him all was quiet — there was no more fighting. 
Red Jacket, after he came in the house, told my 
mother that his face painted black denoted peace, 



78 EAKLY TIMES 

which they all understood. If he had painted it 
red, it would be a signal to fight."* 

Mr. Stephens recollects that those of the family 
who attended the treaty entertained the younger 
ones at home with a description of the war dance, 
the music of which was performed by a squaw. 
The instrument was a barrel, with a deer skin 
stretched across it, on which she kept time with 
the drum sticks, and a sort of humming sound 
with her voice, while the others performed the 
antics. 

Captain John Snell, 84 years old, has a distinct 
recollection of the treaty; was seven years old at 
the time, and witnessed much of it. He was en- 
thusiastic when he spoke of it; said the Indians 
and Squaws made a brilliant appearance with their 
feathers, brooches, and blankets, and a variety of 
silver ornaments. He would go now fifty miles to 
see such a parade. He states that the Indians had 
a row of wigwams, on the west side of the Tioga 
River, near where the Irish shanties now are, just 
above his father's, and were often troublesome 
neighbors. Many who came to attend the treaty 
passed his father's door. It was a treaty of peace, 
and representatives from the Six Nations came 
from Niagara to Onondaga, together with all that 
had been scattered by Sullivan's army. Colonel 
Pickering was foremost on the part of the whites. 

* Many years after this visit from the natives, significant 
marks and characters, made by the Indians at that time, weve 
to be seen on the trees near Mr. Stephens' house. 



XII 

INDIAN TREATY AT TIOGA POINT 

The glowing description of the treaty with the In- 
dians at Tioga Point by Colonel Stone in his his- 
tory of Red Jacket has been kindly furnished by 
Hon. G. W. Kinney, and is appropriate in this 
stage of our history: 

In the year 1790 the Indian relations in the 
United States were in a most unhappy condition. 
A savage war, fierce and bloody, was raging upon 
the frontier settlements of Pennsylvania and Vir- 
ginia; and the strong Confederated Indian nations, 
inhabiting the country of the great lakes, were, to 
the regions beyond the Mississippi, acting under 
the advice of the oflflcers of the British Indian de- 
partment, and encouraged in various ways by the 
government of Canada, were gathering to the con- 
test with a determination that the Ohio River 
should form the ultimate boundary between the 
United States and the Indian Country. All the 
sympathies of the Senecas, who had never been 
quite satisfied with the provisions of the treaty of 
Fort Stanwix, were with their brethren of the 
West, as also were not a few of their warriors, al- 
though Cornplanter, their principal chief, re- 
mained unshaken in his friendship for the United 
States. Still the popular feeling among his nation 
was rather hostile, threatening in fact open and 

79 



80 EARLY TIMES 

general hostilities. Just at this crisis the Senecas 
found fresh cause of exasperation in the murder of 
two of their people by some of the white border 
men of Pennsylvania. The effects of this outrage 
had well nigh provoked an immediate outbreak. 
But the government of the United States lost not a 
moment in disavowing the act, and in the adoption 
of measures to bring the murderers to punishment, 
by the offer of a large reward for their apprehen- 
sion. A conference of the Six Nations was also 
invited at Tioga Point, at which Colonel Timothy 
Pickering, who then resided at Wyoming, was com- 
missioned to attend on the part of the United 
States. The council fire was kindled on the 16th 
of November, and kept burning until the 23d. 
Among the nations present, either collectively or 
by representation, were the Senecas, Oneidas, 
Onondagas, Cayugas, a small party of Chippewas, 
and also several of the Stockbridge Indians, among 
whom was their veteran Captain and faithful 
friend of the United States, Hendrick Apamaut. 
The Indians were in a high state of excitement 
when they arrived, in regard to the outrage, for 
which consideration they had been convoked, and 
which was deeply felt. The chiefs who took the 
most active part in the proceedings of the Council 
were Red Jacket, Farmer's Brother, Little Billy, 
Hendrick and Fish-Carrier, a very old and dis- 
tinguished warrior of the Cayugas. Old Hendrick 
made a very eloquent and pathetic address to the 
Commissioner, in the shape of an appeal in behalf 
of his people, reminding him of their strong and 
uniform attachment to the United States during 



INDIAN TREATY AT TIOGA POINT 81 

the war of the Revolution; of the hardships they 
underwent, and the losses they had sustained dur- 
ing that war, and complaining bitterly of the neg- 
lect with which they had been treated since the 
peace, in consequence, as he supposed, of the small 
number to which they had been reduced. In re- 
ferring to their services in the field, he used these 
expressions : " We fought by your side, our blood 
was mingled with yours — and the bones of our 
warriors still remain on the field of battle, as so 
many mementoes of our attachment to the United 
States." * 

Cornplanter was not present at this Council. 

Red Jacket was present, and was the principal 
speaker. 

" A monarch tall, fearless, sinewy and strong. 
With an eye of dark beauty and of thoughtful brow, 
To whom the forest tribes had bent for years 
The subject knee. Whose eloquence reached the heart, 
With the rare virtue in his speeches, 
The secret of their mastery. They were short. 
With motions graceful as a bird in air. 
A pipe in peace — a tomahawk in war." 

The efforts of Red Jacket on this occasion pro- 
duced a deep effect upon this people. Still, by a 
wise and well adapted speech, Colonel Pickering 
succeeded in allaying the excitement of the Indians, 
dried their tears, and wiped out the blood that had 
been shed. 

The tribe and nation to which Red Jacket be- 
longed were powerful allies of the British during 

* The Stockbridge Indians suffered very severely in the battle 
of White Plains. 



82 EARLY TIMES 

the war of the Revolution, and were among our 
bitterest foes. 

An English officer once presented him with a 
red coat or jacket; after that was worn out he 
was presented with another. Hence his name. 

No sooner had the important business relating 
to the outrages been disposed of, than Red Jacket 
introduced the subject of their lands, and the pur- 
chase by Phelps and Gorham. In a set speech to 
Colonel Pickering he inveighed against the pro- 
cedure, and declared that the Indians had been 
defrauded. It was not, he said, a sale which they 
had contemplated, or which they had stipulated 
to make to those gentlemen, but only a lease; and 
the consideration, he declared, was to have been 
ten thousand dollars, together with an annual rent 
of one thousand dollars, instead of five thousand 
dollars, and a rent of five hundred, which only had 
been paid to them. He declared that after the 
bargain was concluded in Council at Buffalo 
Creek, the Rev. Mr. Kirkland, Colonel John But- 
ler, and Capt. Brant were designated by the In- 
dians to draw up the papers. The Indians sup- 
posed all to have been done correctly until the year 
following, when they went to Canandaigua to re- 
ceive their pay, expecting to receive ten thousand 
dollars. They were told that five thousand only 
was their due. " When we took the money and 
shared it, we found we had but about a dollar 
apiece." " Mr. Street," said the Chief, " you very 
well know that all our lands came to was but the 
price of the few hogsheads of tobacco. Gentlemen 
who stand by (addressing the gentlemen in attend- 



INDIAN TREATY AT TIOGA POINT 83 

ance with Colonel Pickering) do not think hard 
of what has been said? At the time of the treaty, 
twenty brooches could not buy half a loaf of bread. 
So when we returned home, there was not a single 
spot of silver about us. Mr. Phelps did not pur- 
chase, but he leased the land. We opened our ears, 
and understood the land was leased. This hap- 
pened to us, from our not knowing papers." 

This speech of Red Jacket or Sa-go-ye-wat-ha 
(keeper awake), is the earliest of his forensic ef- 
forts of which there is any written memorial. It 
is thought that great injustice was done him by his 
interpreter. But a gentleman * who w^as familiar 
with the language, and who was present at the 
treaty, asserts that Red Jacket, during the sittings 
of the Council, spoke with extraordinary eloquence 
and power. Much depends upon the interpreter in 
the preservation of Indian eloquence. If he be a 
dull prosaic man, without genius himself, and in- 
capable of appreciating the glowing thoughts, the 
burning words and the brilliant metaphors of his 
principal, the most eloquent and stirring passages 
— evidently such from the kindling effects upon 
those understanding the language — will fall from 
the lips of the interpreter as insipid as it is possi- 
ble to render language by the process of dilution. 

Hence, from the acknowledged genius of Red 
Jacket, and the known powers of his eloquence 
upon his auditors, this speech to Colonel Pickering 
is to be received rather as a poor paraphrase by a 
bad interpreter, than as the speech of the orator 

* Thomas Morris, Esq., who has favored the author with the 
written recollections of that Council. 



84 EARLY TIMES 

himself. The following is the best passage it con- 
tains. After recapitulating his own statement of 
the negotiation with Phelps and Gorham, and as- 
serting the anxiety of his people to appeal to Con- 
gress for a redress of their grievances in this trans- 
action, the orator proceeded : 

" Now, brothers, the Thirteen States, you must 
open your ears. You know what has happened re- 
specting our lands. You told us, from this time 
the chain of friendship should be brightened. Now, 
brothers, we have begun to brighten the chain, and 
we will follow the footsteps of our forefathers. We 
will take those steps that we may sit easy, and 
choose when, and how large our seats should be. 
The reason we send this message is, that the Presi- 
dent, who is over all the thirteen States, may make 
our seats easy. We do it that the chain of friend- 
ship may be brightened with the Thirteen States, 
as well as with the British, that we may pass from 
one to the other unmolested. We wish to be under 
the protection of the Thirteen States, as well as 
of the British." 

During the progress of the negotiation with Col. 
Pickering, at this Council, an episode was intro- 
duced of which some account may be excused in 
this place as an illustration of Indian character 
and manners. It was this year, 1790, that Robert 
Morris, of Philadelphia, purchased from the State 
of Massachusetts the preemption right to that por- 
tion of her territory that had not been purchased 
by Phelps and Gorham, in western New York. For 
the general management of his concerns, and the 
negotiations he knew he should be obliged to hold 



INDIAN TREATY AT TIOGA POINT 85 

witli the Indians, his son Thomas had taken up his 
residence at Canandaigua, and was cultivating an 
acquaintance with the Indians. In this he was suc- 
cessful, and soon became popular among them. He 
was in attendance with Colonel Pickering at Tioga 
Point, where the Indians determined to adopt him 
into the Seneca nation, and Red Jacket bestowed 
upon him the name he himself had borne previous 
to his elevation to the dignity of Sachem, " Ote- 
tiani," " Always Ready." 

The ceremony of conferring upon young Morris 
his new name occurred during a religious observ- 
ance, when the w^hole sixteen hundred Indians pres- 
ent at the treaty united in an offering to the moon, 
then being at her full. The ceremonies were per- 
formed in the evening. It was a clear night, and 
the moon shone with uncommon brilliancy. The 
host of Indians, and their Neophyte, were all 
seated upon the ground in an extended circle, on 
one side of wliich a large fire was kept burning. 
The aged Cayuga Chieftain, Fish-Carrier, who was 
held in exalted veneration for his wisdom, and who 
had been distinguished for his bravery, from his 
youth up, officiated as the high-priest of the occa- 
sion — making a long speech to the luminary, occa- 
sionally throwing tobacco into the fire as incense. 

On the conclusion of the address, the whole as- 
sembly prostrated themselves upon the bosom of 
their parent Earth, and a grunting sound of ap- 
probation was uttered from mouth to mouth 
around the entire circle. At a short distance from 
the fire a post had been planted in the earth, in- 
tended to represent the stake of torture, to which 



86 EARLY TIMES 

captives are bound for execution. After the cere- 
monies in favor of Madame Luna had been ended, 
they commenced a war dance around the post, and 
the spectacle must have been as picturesque as it 
v^as animating and wild. The young braves en- 
gaged in the dance were naked except the breech- 
cloth about their loins. They were painted fright- 
fully, their backs being chalked white, with irregu- 
lar streaks of red, denoting the streaming of blood. 
Frequently would they cease from dancing while 
one of their number ran to the fire, snatching thence 
a blazing stick placed there for that purpose, 
which he would thrust at the post, as though in- 
flicting torture upon a person. 

In the course of the dance they sang their songs, 
and made the forest ring with their wild screams 
and shouts, as they boasted of their deeds of war, 
and told the number of scalps they had respec- 
tively taken, or which had been taken by their 
nation. Those engaged in the dance, as did others 
also, partook freely of unmixed rum, and by conse- 
quence of the natural excitement of the occasion, 
and the artificial excitement of the liquor, the festi- 
val had well nigh turned out a tragedy. It happened 
that among the dancers was an Oneida warrior, 
who in striking the post boasted of the number of 
scalps taken by his nation during the war of the 
Revolution. Now the Oneidas, it will be recol- 
lected, had sustained the cause of the Colonies in 
that contest, while the rest of the Iroquois Confed- 
eracy had espoused that of the Crown. The boast- 
ing of the Oneida warrior, therefore, was like strik- 
ing a spark into a keg of gunpowder. The ire of 



INDIAN TREATY AT TIOGA POINT 87 

the Senecas was kindled in an instant, and they in 
turn boasted of the number of scalps taken by 
them from the Oneidas in that contest. They more- 
over taunted the Oneidas as cowards. Quick as 
lightning, the hands of the latter were upon their 
weapons, and in turn the knives and tomahawks 
of the Senecas began to glitter in the moonbeams 
as they were hastily drawn forth. For an instant 
it was a scene of anxious and almost breathless 
suspense, a death struggle seeming inevitable, 
when the storm w^as hushed by the interposition 
of Fish-Carrier, who rushed forward, and striking 
the post with violence, exclaimed : " You are all 
a parcel of boys; when you have all attained my 
age, and performed the warlike deeds that I have 
performed, you may boast what you have done; 
not till then ! " 

Saying which, he threw down the post, put an 
end to the dance, and caused the assembly to re- 
tire.* 

This scene in its reality must have been one of 
absorbing and peculiar interest. An assembly of 
nearly two thousand inhabitants of the forest, gro- 
tesquely dressed in skins, with shining ornaments 
of silver, and their coarse raven hair falling over 
their shoulders, and playing wildly in the wind as 
it swept past, sighing mournfully among the giant 
branches of the trees above — such a group gathered 
in a broad circle, in the opening of the wildreness, 

* Manuscript recollections of Thomas Morris. Mr. Morris 
was known among the Indians by the name conferred upon him 
on this occasion. For many years after his marriage, his wife 
was called by them " Otetiani Squaw," and his children, 
" Otetiani pappooses." 



88 EARLY TIMES 

the starry canopy of heaven glittering above them, 
the moon casting her silver mantle around their 
dusky forms, and a large fire blazing in the midst 
of them, before which they were working their 
spells and performing their savage rites — must 
have presented a spectacle of long and vivid re- 
membrance. 

There is a difllculty in finding a record of this 
treaty in the Office of Indian Affairs at Washing- 
ton. There is said to be no paper on file having 
reference to such a treaty. But on examination 
of the printed volumes of " American Archives," 
allusion is made to it by Colonel Pickering, who 
states that he had sent his report to General 
Washington. It is said it was never ratified by 
the Senate. 

The treaty seems to have been left in an unfin- 
ished state. The terms of the negotiation are not 
expressed, and the form of the adoption of Mr. 
Morris by the Seneca nation is not stated. 

But, whatever might have been the intention of 
the treaty, it decided for the Indian that the land 
of his fathers was no longer his, and we must sup- 
pose that with much heaviness of heart he turned 
from his delightful hunting and fishing ground, on 
the Susquehanna and Tioga rivers, towards the set- 
ting sun. 

" And lo ! that withered race 
Were turned from their own home away, 
And to their fathers' sepulchers returned no more.** 

Very few Indians were ever seen here after this 
event. Many white people who were born here 



INDIAN TREATY AT TIOGA POINT 89 

near tlie close of the last century never saw a 
native. 

" Ended is their ancient reign, 
Their day of savage pride." 

But they have left us their mementoes: 

" Their name is on our waters, we may not wash it out." 

There were a few aged and infirm ones who lin- 
gered until their recovery or means were provided 
for their removal. 

A white man had wounded an Indian. The in- 
habitants did everything in their power for him. 
He lived in a cabin that stood on the lot where Mr. 
C. Stephens now lives. Mrs. Mathewson went with 
her husband to see the wounded man, and took 
things to him for his comfort. The day was very 
hot. An Indian was sitting outside the door in the 
burning sun, his uncovered head shaved, except 
the scalping tufts. She spoke to him as she passed 
and said, " It is very hot." " Yes," he said, " it 
is as if the Great Spirit is going to burn the 
world up." * 

The Senecas and Tuscaroras have reservations 

* In 1866, a traveler passing through Evansville, Indiana, 
met with an old Indian who said to him, after some preliminary 
conversation, " Me Seneca, born at Tioga, where waters Tioga 
and Susquehanna meet. Plenty deer, plenty bear dare. Me 
six winter when Injun was driv out der home. Me see near 
100 winter. Me not member much. Me be like old bald moun- 
tain, nothing on top," putting his hand to his head, implying 
that his faculties were gone. In reply to the question where 
he lived, he said, " anywhere," then said on " Seneca Reserva- 
tion." 



90 EARLY TIMES 

in Western New York, one of 20 miles in length 
and two or three in width near Buffalo, another 
farther south near the Pennsylvania line, on the 
Allegany, forty miles in extent. They are called 
Upper and Lower Cattaraugus. The most of these 
Indians have become civilized, and many of them 
have good farms, well cultivated. They have a 
government of their own, with a President at the 
head, and have churches and schools, where they 
are well instructed. In their churches they have 
native preachers, and the best of singing. 

There is another reservation still nearer Buffalo, 
at Tonawanda. One also at Oneida on the Mo- 
hawk, and another for the Onondagas south of 
Syracuse, where they have made similar improve- 
ments. There are some Cayugas living with the 
Senecas. 

Missionaries have been laboring among these In- 
dians with great success very many years. Mr. 
Wright, who is still living, has been forty years 
among them. He is now at Cattaraugus. Mr. 
Bliss has been laboring among them about twenty 
years. 

Cornplanter was favorable to the introduction of 
Christianity among his people. Eed Jacket never 
was until near the close of his life. 



XIII 

FRENCH TOWN, OR ASYLUM 

At the time of the Revolution in France, in 1790-98, 
and during the reign of terror, when the hand of 
man was raised against his fellow man, there was 
no safety for life or property. The King himself 
fled to another part of his dominion, and many of 
his subjects escaped to other countries for shelter 
from the terrific storm that was upon them. 

Hundreds came to our country and sojourned in 
various parts of it. A large number formed a col- 
ony and were directed to the Susquehanna river 
within the bounds of Pennsylvania. 

They crossed over to the west side of the river, 
and founded a large town which they called Asy- 
lum, in the county of Luzerne, named from one of 
the French ambassadors in 1786. The town was 
laid out in regular order, and designed to accom- 
modate a large number. Houses were principally 
built of hewn logs, and some of them were very 
large. It is said that Louis Philippe, at that time 
Duke of Orleans, was here for a time incognito. 
It is well understood that he traveled about in 
New Jersey and New York State, and was some- 
time at Canandaigua, and from thence came to 
Tioga Point, where he remained a little time, and 
then passed down the Susquehanna river to the 
French Town. Arrangements were in progress to 

91 



92 EARLY TIMES 

have the King and Queen make their escape from 
France and hide themselves in this Asylum. Cer- 
tain it is that a house was built far back in the 
woods, and called the Queen's house. But in Janu- 
ary (21st), 1793, Louis XVI. was beheaded, and 
the next year Marie Antoinette suffered the same 
fate. It is said by some that their son, the 
Dauphin, died under the cruel treatment of a Ja- 
cobin. Others suppose he was secreted many 
years, after which he was brought to this country 
and was engaged in after life as a missionary to 
the Indians. 

The early settlers at Asylum suffered many pri- 
vations, and to add to their trouble, their servants 
whom they brought with them deserted them, which 
left them very helpless, as they were unable to do 
their own cooking, and were not accustomed even 
to dress themselves. 

The original French settlers nearly all left. After 
the change in the French Government many of 
them returned to France; others were scattered 
through our country, and a few remained in Asy- 
lum, some of whose descendants are among our 
most wealthy and respectable citizens. 

Bartholomew La Porte was one of the number of 
the exiles who remained. His son. Judge La Porte, 
was born at Asylum, 1798, where he resided the 
most of his life, cultivating one of the most exten- 
sive and valuable farms in the country. He filled 
many public places of honor and trust. He was 
chosen to represent this district in the Legislature 
in 1827— served five years in that capacity, being 
elected Speaker the last session of his service. He 



FRENCH TOWN, OR ASYLUM 93 

was elected to Congress in 1832, and re-elected in 
1834. In 1840 he was commissioned as Associate 
Judge of this county, which place he occupied un- 
til May, 1845, when he was appointed Surveyor- 
General by Governor Shank — an office which he 
held six years. He died suddenly in Philadelphia, 
August 22d, 1862. 

General Durell was a prominent man among the 
exiles. A part of the township of Asylum bears 
his name. 

A French Admiral, one of the exiles, settled at 
" Dushore," which was named for him. He re- 
turned to France after Buonaparte recalled the 
exiles, and acted as Admiral in the battle of the 
Nile, where he fell. 

The names of La Porte, Homet, Le Fevre, Pre- 
vost, De Autrement are said to be about the only 
original names left. The descendants of the French 
exiles are numerous, and some of them are living 
with us. 

Early in the present century many other French 
families came to this country and settled near Asy- 
lum. Mr. J, M. Piolette settled at Wysox, and 
purchased a farm now owned by his sons, who 
have added to it, and are extensive and practical 
farmers. 

Mr. Delpeuch, Mr. Peuch, and others, settled 
near Towanda. Mr. Peironnet and several other 
French people came to Silver Lake soon after the 
book of Dr. Rose was published, setting forth the 
beauties of the country, and in common with many 
others suffered from the imposition that was prac- 
ticed upon them. 



94 EARLY TIMES 

Mr. Wright states that there has been a great 
change among the Indians who remain on their 
reservations in Western New York since 1831. 
Then labor was performed by the women, and it 
was thought disgraceful for a man to work. 
Now all this is reversed. The disgrace rests upon 
the man who refuses to labor. The people have be- 
come essentially agricultural in their habits and 
modes of life, and many of them are quite respec- 
table farmers. Some of them have become com- 
paratively rich by farming, and many of them have 
become temperate. On the Cattaraugus Reserva- 
tion they have a Division of the Sons of Temper- 
ance of more than a hundred members, and are 
earnest and spirited in keeping up their meetings. 
Education was once scouted by the most of them: 
now it is desired by nearly all, and the New York 
State district school system is extended over them, 
and of the ten schools in operation on that reserva- 
tion, seven are taught by well qualified Indian 
teachers. 

The old Mission Church has about 120 Indian 
members, and the Baptist and Methodist churches 
nearly as many more. But there are some who 
still cling with more or less tenacity to their old 
pagan customs. 



XIV 

ATHENS TOWNSHIP 

Athens, situated near tlie northern boundary of 
Pennsylvania, is within the limits of the territory 
purchased from the Indians by the Susquehanna 
Company and by the State of Pennsylvania. 

Mr. Miner says that, " Wyoming in its more 
limited signification, is the name given to a valley 
on the Susquehanna river, about twenty miles in 
length, and from three to four miles in width, but 
in its more enlarged sense it was used to designate 
that part of the valley embraced within the 42d de- 
gree of north latitude. 

" The valley, to the State line, has been called 
Wyoming by the Connecticut settlers, but it is now 
more generally called the Susquehanna valley. 

" The seventeen townships, namely Huntington, 
Salem, Plymouth, Kingston, Newport, Hanover, 
Wilkesbarre, Pittston, Providence, Exeter, Bed- 
ford, Northumberland, Tunkhannock, Braintrim, 
Springfield, Claverack, and Ulster, were occupied 
by Connecticut claimants before the decision 
of the Court of Trenton, and were, with the addi- 
tion of Athens, confirmed to those claimants by the 
compromising law of April 4th, 1799, and its sev- 
eral supplements." 

The northern boundary of Ulster was at first 
left indefinite, supposing that the contemplated 

95 



96 EARLY TIMES 

State line would form the boundary, and that 
would be the most northerly township claimed by 
the Susquehanna Company. It was therefore called 
the 17th township, and was expected to extend a 
little distance above the " mile hill," where it was 
supposed the State line would run. But after the 
survey in the winter of 1786, it was found there 
was an interval of two or three miles between that 
line and the temporary or supposed line of the 
northern boundary of Ulster. Therefore, when the 
township of Athens was surveyed the May follow- 
ing, the northern boundary of Ulster was removed 
to its present limit, a little below where the two 
rivers meet, thus giving room for another large and 
beautiful township; which was called Athens by 
the Susquehanna Company, and added to the other 
towns. They were then called the " Eighteen 
Townships " and were acknowledged by the State, 

Hence, until 1786 Tioga Point was supposed to 
be in the township of Ulster, and letters for this 
place were often addressed to Ulster Post Office 
many years after. 

In a copy of a letter from Mr. Shepard to 
Mr. LeEoy, written in 1831, he states that, " the 
old township of Athens was laid out by John 
Jenkins, when the Susquehanna claim was un- 
der the jurisdiction of Connecticut, in 1777, and 
re-surveyed by said Jenkins in 1786." This is the 
only record we have of this first survey. 

The creek near the northern boundary of Athens, 
now called Shepard's Creek, was called by the na- 
tives Cayuta Creek. It has its rise in a little lake 
by that name in Spencer, and runs in a southerly 



ATHENS TOWNSHIP 97 

direction about 20 miles, emptying into the Sus- 
quehanna a mile below the State line. 

Several valuable mill sites are on this stream. 
Morley's mill, bought by Mr. Shepard of Bryant in 
1788. Wheelock's mill, built originally by Mr. 
Shepard in 1806. Brooks' factory, built by Shep- 
ard and Crocker in 1809, and Walker's mill, built 
in 1806. 

The township of Athens was surveyed by John 
Jenkins in May and June, 1786. He was the prin- 
cipal Surveyor for the Susquehanna Company, 
and a prominent man among the Connecticut 
settlers. 

His field books says, " Began May 7th, 1786, first 
to take the course of Tioga Creek, at the mouth, 
and run up to a bend in the creek, to a flat piece 
of land with buttonwood timber, to the north line 
of the town.* The next day. May 8th, began to 
take the course of the Great Eiver, from the Point 
up to the lower end of the Cove; then to the lower 
end of an Island (now Williston's Island) ; then 
to the mouth of a creek six rods wide (Shepard's 
Creek) ; then to a small creek where a cove makes 
up to the shore. 

" The distance from Tioga river to Susquehanna 

* This river was called by Mr. Jenkins Tioga River or Tioga 
Creek. Some years after a horn of large dimensions was found 
by a Mr. Baker near the Upper Narrows, said to have measured 
nine feet in length. The Indians also had pieces of a very 
large horn, which they said their ancestors had found in the 
river, and they, therefore, gave it the name of Chemung, which 
signifies Big Horn. The lower part of the river is more gen- 
erally called Chemung, while the upper part, near the Cowan- 
sky, is called Tioga. 



98 EARLY TIMES 

river, 3f miles, Monday, June 14th, 1786, sur- 
veyed township ; beginning on the Tioga north, and 
running 5^ miles south ; thence E. five miles ; thence 
N. five and a half miles to the northern boundary; 
then on the State line five miles west." 

The course of the roads through the town were 
laid out much as they are now — those on the rivers 
following the Indian paths. The course of the road 
through the Point ran near the center of the town, 
to a gate. Below the gate was a street, and lots 
laid out of about ten acres each. 

The map from which these statements are taken 
is interesting to the antiquarian, and is in posses- 
sion of Mr. Z. F. Walker. It was copied by Major 
Flower many years ago from a field book signed 
" John Jenkins." 

On the margin of the map is a long list of names 
of men who were living at the time of the survey, 
and stood ready to " draw " their lots. None but 
the most aged among us can recognize more than 
half a dozen names with which they are familiar. 
Mr. C. Stephens, now 84 years of age, recollects 
nearly all of them. 

Athens toAvnship was re-surveyed by the State 
the same year, recognizing the boundaries of the 
Susquehanna Company. 

That part of the tow^nship on the west side of 
Tioga river was laid out in farms of one hundred 
acres each. 

The most familiar names of the early purchasers, 
beginning at the south line of the town, are Daniel 
McDowell, Nathan Denison, Matthias Hollenback, 
John Franklin, Wright Loomis, Daniel Satterlee, 



ATHENS TOWNSHIP 99 

Nathan Gary (who sold to Dr. Stephen Hopkins), 
C. Hubbard (sold to Elisha Satterlee and Jacob 
Snell ) . Mr. Murray and Mr. Spalding purchased 
south of Dr. Hopkins. 

Lots were laid out much the same on the east 
side of the Susquehanna, and the names of Bene- 
dict Satterlee, John Franklin, Elisha Satterlee, 
Elisha Matthewson, Slocum, Baldwin, and Jenk- 
ins are also among the familiar names. Robert 
Spalding owned the farm now in possession of John 
Thompson. 

The building lots in the village above the gate 
were laid out w^ith much regularity. 

It is seldom we meet with a more delightful loca- 
tion for a village than this. The first settlers evi- 
dently thought so, and laid it out in anticipation 
of its becoming a large town. 

Two beautiful rivers, the Tioga and Susque- 
hanna, perpetually flow on each side of a valuable 
point of land, between converging ranges of moun- 
tains, and after mingling their waters, roll down 
the extended valley together. The dwellers of this 
Yallej may say : 

" There is not in tlie wide world a valley more sweet 
Than this vale in whose bosona the bright waters meet." 

The valley through its entire length has ever 
been considered a beautiful portion of country, and 
the historic interest is unparalleled. It was here 
that the refugees from Wj^oming found a compara- 
tive resting place. 

Many families, bound together by kindred ties. 



100 EARLY TIMES 

early associations, and the most severe sufferings, 
located in the upper part of the valley, and within 
the embrace of the Tioga and Susquehanna rivers, 
which formed as it were protection for these exiles, 
who were principally Connecticut people, and were 
thus united by a common sympathy. 

The protracted civil wars among the early set- 
tlers, the Indian massacre of Wyoming, and the 
military movements over these hills and through 
this valley, the soil of which has been made sacred 
by the blood of our ancestors, will continue to fur- 
nish themes for the poet, the artist and historian. 
A lady on board a steamboat on Seneca Lake, who 
heard the other passengers expressing their admi- 
ration of the delightful scenery, remarked : " It is 
nothing to be compared with the scenery on the 
Susquehanna river." She had just come from Wy- 
oming, and testified to what she had seen. 

A gentleman once visiting a clerical friend here 
was so charmed with the scenery as he entered the 
village that he exclaimed on meeting him : " Why, 
I should think you might preach in poetry here ! " 

The views from some of the neighboring hills are 
beautiful, and are always attractive to the artist. 
Prospect Hill, overlooking Gen. Welles' farm, has 
often been a place of resort for the youthful and 
vigorous. 

Spanish Hill, in the northwest part of the town, 
is among the ancient curiosities of the country. It 
stands completely isolated near the east bank of 
the Chemung, the State line crossing near its north- 
ern point, leaving the principal portion of the hill 
within the bounds of Athens township. It is about 



ATHENS TOWNSHIP 101 

a mile in circumference. It is about 200 feet high, 
easy of access, and from its summit is a charming 
view of a beautiful landscape many miles in extent. 
It is surrounded by mountains, near the base of 
which flow the Tioga and Susquehanna. Remains 
of ancient fortifications around the summit of the 
hill have been seen by many of the present genera- 
tion. Specimens of Spanish coin, it is said, have 
been found there. These two facts have given rise 
to various conjectures. One has given it the name, 
the other the character of having once been a war- 
like place of defense. But when and by whom 
must ever remain a mystery.* 

Some of the early settlers who were on the 
ground before the natives left the country have 
been heard to say that the Indians called it Span- 
ish Hill, implying that the Spaniards had been 
there, and the name has been perpetuated. They 
seldom went on the hill, from some superstitious 
fear or dread. 

They had a tradition that a Cayuga Chief once 
went to the top of the hill and the Manitou or 
Great Spirit took him by the hair of the head and 
whirled him away to regions unknown. It was 
supposed that he was murdered by the Buc- 
caneers. 

It is, however, a good theme for legends, and 
several writers skilled in legendary lore have en- 

* Judge Avery, whose opinion is entitled to much weight, 
maintains that this, and similar mounds in New York State, 
that have on their summits the appearance of fortifications, are 
of Iroquois construction, for a defense against the Susquehan- 
nocks, their formidable foe, whom they finally exterminated. 



102 EARLY TIMES 

tertained us with their conjectures. Mr. N. P. 
Willis with his bride visited this hill many years 
ago, and also gave his musings to the public. 

It has also been said that when the Spanish Buc- 
caneers were driven out of Florida, they were never 
heard from after they left Chesapeake Bay. There 
is, also, an Indian tradition related by Mr. Alpheus 
Harris, whose farm covered Spanish Hill, that 
these Spanish refugees were met by the Indians 
near this eminence, and driven to the top of the 
hill, where they defended themselves for days and 
months by throwing up breastworks, enclosing 
many acres, but finally perished by starvation. 
Many now living remember the beautiful flat lawn 
of several acres on the top of the hill, and an en- 
closure of earth 7 or 8 feet high, which has within 
a quarter of a century been leveled by the plow 
and harrow. 

Other legends carry the romance still farther, 
and affirm that the Spanish invaders were rescued 
from death by the sacrifice of a Spanish daughter, 
" the precious price of Spanish ransom," to a Ca- 
yuga Chieftain, who kindly guided them to " the 
prairies of the distant West." 

It is well understood that there was an Indian 
burying ground on the west side of the hill, and 
some remains are still visible. 

Professed fortune tellers have walked about this 
eminence with their incantations, as if to gather in- 
spiration from it. One affirmed that the fabled 
treasures of Captain Kidd were buried there, and 
it is reported that some credulous men have during 
the night dug for them, with the usual success. 



ATHENS TOWNSHIP 103 

The prospect from this hill is delightful — not 
wild or sublime, but picturesque and beautiful. 

The native forest trees in this region were in 
great variety. Those covering the pine plains were 
a singular brotherhood, the old dry trees, killed 
by the worm in 1796, so tall that they were often 
used by sentinels in war time to ascertain the posi- 
tion of the enemy, and the smaller ones so dense 
that it was difficult for the deer with his antlers to 
escape in the chase. In these pines herded much 
game which had been the living of the red man, and 
was subsequently the sport and sustenance of the 
white man. 

There is in our possession an ancient map of 
Tioga Point, by whom drawn it is not known. The 
survey was made in 1785, with only the rivers and 
temporary State line for boundaries.* 

On this map are laid down the warrants of Jo- 
siah Lockhart, Nicholas Kiester, Arthur Erwin, 
Joseph Erwin, Timothy Pickering, Samuel Hodg- 
son, Duncan Ingraham, and Tench Cox, with the 
date of their warrants and surveys, and number of 
acres allotted them. These were the first State 
claimants on Tioga Point. Lockhart sold to Car- 
roll, Erwin to Mr. Duffee, Pickering to John Shep- 
ard, in 1813. The borough of Athens was incor- 
porated March 29th, 1831. David Paine, Esq., was 
elected first Burgess. 

The first newspaper published in Athens was the 

* Many travelers visited our country after the Revolution. 
One, Mr. Isaac Weld, arrived at " a small town called Tyoga 
Point or Lochartzburg," on the Susquehanna ; this was about 
the year 1796. 



104 EARLY TIMES 

"Athens Scribe," by O. N. Worden, in 1841, '42, 
and '43. The "Athenian" was edited by C. T. 
Huston in 1854. The " Athens Gazette " by M. M. 
Pomeroy in 1855-'56 (now proprietor of the "La 
Crosse Democrat"). "Athens Republican." "Ath- 
ens Democrat," published in 1867. "Weekly 
News," 1868. 



BOUNDARIES 

In 1786 Andrew Elliott, on the part of Pennsyl- 
vania, and James Clinton and Simeon Dewit, on 
the part of the State of New York, were appointed 
Commissioners to ascertain, run out and mark the 
boundary line between the two States, beginning 
at the point ascertained and fixed by Eittenhouse 
and Holland, the former Commissioners, on a small 
island in a branch of the Delaware river. This duty 
these Commissioners performed in the year 1786 
and 1787, by running a line due west from the point 
before mentioned to the shore of Lake Erie, a dis- 
tance of 259 miles 88 perches. 

In 1784 a large tract of land was purchased 
by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania of the In- 
dians at Fort Stanwix. 

The land office was opened for the sale of these 
lands on the first day of May, 1785. The law re- 
quired that all applications filed within ten days 
after the sale should have priority of location. 

When No. 1 was drawn from one wheel, the name 
of the applicant, Josiah Lockhart, of Lancaster, 
with the number of acres applied for, was drawn 
from another wheel. His warrant was therefore 
number one, and entitled him to the first choice 
of locating his warrant. 

105 



106 EARLY TIMES 

He located his warrant on tlie point of land ex- 
tending from the confluence of the Susquehanna 
and Tioga Elvers to a line a little above the Mile 
Hill, from river to river, containing 1038 acres 94 
perches, called Ta-ya-o-gah by the natives, mean- 
ing " at the forks," (|i? " meeting of the waters, 
known as Tioga Point," by the white man ; the gate- 
way or entrance into the State of Pennsylvania for 
the red man. According to statements of the Sur- 
veyor-General, Mr. Lockhart's land must have cost 
him 26 cents per acre. 

This tract was purchased of Lockhart for two 
dollars and fifty cents per acre, early in this cen- 
tury, by Mr. Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, near 
Baltimore, one of the signers of the Declaration of 
Independence, and one of the latest survivors of 
that distinguished body, being ninety-five years of 
age when he died. 

Mr. Caton, a son-in-law of Mr. Carroll, came 
into possession of this tract. He settled with the 
Connecticut claimants, in most cases to their satis- 
faction, while with others he had some litigation. 

Mr. James Pumpelly, of Owego, surve^^ed this 
tract for Mr. Carroll in 1802, and gave it as his 
opinion that the pine plains were worthless for 
cultivation, and others entertained the same opin- 
ion. But fertilizers and tillage have developed the 
qualities of the soil, and many parts of these pine 
plains are now sold for more than a hundred dol- 
lars an acre, and some think this a low estimate. 
Tar and charcoal were formerly manufactured 
from these pines in considerable quantities. 

The territory which comes within our notice has 



BOUNDARIES lOT 

been included successively in the counties of 
Berks and Northumberland. 

On the 25th of September, 1786, Luzerne County 
was formed out of a part of Northumberland, the 
northern boundary of which was the State line. 
The county received its name from Count Luzerne, 
minister from France to our newly formed gov- 
ernment. 

On the 13th of April, 1725, Lycoming County 
was established out of Northumberland, bounded 
north by State line, and east partly by Luzerne. 

On the 21st of February", 1810, Ontario County 
was erected out of parts of Luzerne and Lycoming. 
Its northeastern corner was the 40th mile stone 
on the State line, and its northwestern corner the 
80th mile stone. 

On the 24th of March, 1812, the name of Ontario 
was changed to Bradford, in honor of Mr. Brad- 
ford, who came from England in 1762, and who was 
the first printer in Philadelphia, which county was 
then organized for judicial purposes, and with Sus- 
quehanna, Tioga, and Wayne constituted the 11th 
Judicial District. 



XVI 

DISTINGUISHED CHARACTERS 

Many in this town still remember Col. John Frank- 
lin, a tall patriarchal looking man, bent with years 
and the cares and labors of early life, of a de- 
pressed though expressive countenance; his face 
pitted with small pox, rather negligent of his per- 
sonal appearance, though always the gentleman, 
and always commanding the respect and attention 
of those who knew him. He frequently wore a long 
blue cloak, and on public occasions a three cornered 
hat and small clothes, and always carried a little 
cane, used particularly on funeral occasions, to 
preserve order in the procession, of which he was 
marshal in those days. Sometimes he visited the 
schools, giving a word of advice, and always pre- 
siding at the town meetings. 

Connecticut claims, says Mr. Miner, was the ob- 
ject he had pursued with zeal and delight for more 
than thirty years; yet he would recommend obedi- 
ence to the laws of the land, although he had found 
himself disappointed and beaten. 

He was called the " Hero of Wyoming," and was 
prominent in the early history of this valley. After 
after having labored many years in vain to estab- 
lish a cause which he considered just, he finally 
settled in this most northerly town in his loved 
valley of Wyoming, in 1788, and here lived many 
years on the east side of the Susquehanna, in a 

108 



DISTINGUISHED CHARACTERS 109 

retired and quiet way, and died March 1st, 1834, 
at the advanced age of 82 years. 

Col. Franklin's farm was sold to Major Zephon 
Flower, and the avails divided between his chil- 
dren. It now belongs to his grandson, Z. F. 
Walker. 

The only complete record we have of the early 
life of Col. Franklin is to be found in Mr. Miner's 
book. In preparing his history if he could have 
had the use of his manuscripts at the commence- 
ment of his work, it would have saved him a year's 
labor. 

He states that John Franklin was a native of 
Litchfield County, Conn. He was that boy who 
was called to an account, by his austere father, for 
gazing about at the place of worship in time of 
divine service, counting the rafters, etc., instead of 
attending to the sermon. " Father," said he, " can 
you repeat the sermon? " " Sermon, no. I had as 
much as I could do to watch your inattention." 
" If I will tell you all the minister said you won't 
whip me? " " No, John, no, but that is impos- 
sible." Young Franklin named the text and went 
through every head of the discourse, with surpris- 
ing accuracy. " Now, father," said he, " I can 
tell you exactly how many beams and rafters there 
are." 

The touching account of his tenderness and care 
of his three little ones, after the death of his wife, 
at the time of Wyoming trials, is almost unparal- 
leled. Having no person to take care of them, he 
determined to place them in charge of his kind 
friends in Canaan, Conn. Harnessing a horse to a 



110 EARLY TIMES 

little cart, he placed in it the three children, tied 
a cow by the horns, to follow, and drove on, hav- 
ing a cup, in which, as occasion required, he 
milked and fed the babe. Thus he traveled the 
rough way, more than two hundred miles, in safety, 
exhibiting all the patience and tenderness of 
a mother. 

He had three children, Kezia, William, and 
Amos. Kezia married Dr. Beebe, a physician of 
some eminence. They lived and died at Geneva 
some years since. Mrs. Beebe was an interesting 
lady, and frequently visited this place while her 
father was living, and after his death took her 
father's valuable papers and portrait home with 
her. From his first removal to Wyoming, John 
Franklin was devoted to the cause of Connecticut 
claimants. Ever active, and ever zealous for their 
rights, he was prominent in their public assemblies, 
and wielded great influence. 

This made him a mark for his adversaries. He 
felt confident of the justice and final success of his 
party, and was unremitting in his efforts in its 
behalf. He strongly disapproved of the decision of 
the Pennsylvania Legislature when they erected 
the county of Luzerne, and proposed him for a 
representative. He spurned the nomination, and 
set about founding an Independent State Gov- 
ernment. 

So determined was he to maintain his purpose 
that Col. Pickering, who had now become strongly 
interested for Pennsylvania, foreseeing his plans, 
obtained a writ to arrest him on charge of high 
treason, October, 1787. He was suddenly seized. 



DISTINGUISHED CHARACTERS 111 

and with much difficulty was mounted on a horse 
by four men; and while Col. Pickering held a pis- 
tol to his breast, his servant tied his legs under the 
horse; one taking his bridle, another following be- 
hind, and one riding each side, they were soon out 
of the reach of his friends. Thus subdued by six 
men, he was hurried with painful speed to the jail 
at Philadelphia. 

All Wyoming was in commotion on hearing of 
the abduction of Franklin, and the part Col. Pick- 
ering had taken. 

Immediate measures were adopted by the parti- 
sans of the Yankee leaders to seize Col. Pickering 
and carry him off as a hostage for the safety of 
Franklin. Under the lead of Swift and Satterlee, 
the " Tioga Boys " or " Wild Yankees " surrounded 
his house, but did not find him there. He had gone 
to Philadelphia to inform the executive council of 
the state of things at Wyoming, and remained there 
until January. 

On the 11th of June following, while asleep in 
his bed, he was aroused by a violent opening of 
his door. The intruders were men, twelve or four- 
teen in number, painted black and armed, come 
to execute the long threatened attack. 

After dressing, they pinioned him, tying his arms 
together and led him off through Wilkesbarre in 
perfect silence, and proceeded up the river to Pitts- 
ton. They then said, " If you will write a line to 
the executive committee and intercede for Frank- 
lin, we will release you." 

He refused, and they went on to Lackawanna. 
They traveled thirty miles before they stopped to 



112 EARLY TIMES 

eat. They then learned that the militia were in pur- 
suit of them. This hastened their speed. They 
retired to the woods and remained there a week, 
and frequently inquired of the Colonel if he wished 
to be set at liberty, and if he would intercede for 
Franklin. 

They also compelled him to wear a chain because 
Franklin was in irons in Philadelphia. He car- 
ried it ten days, and when they relieved him they 
inquired again if he would intercede for Franklin. 
He replied, " I will answer no question until I am 
set at liberty." He finally agreed to write a peti- 
tion for " The Boys," praying for their pardon. 

They arrived at Tunkhannock and told the Col- 
onel he was at liberty, at the same time renewing 
their request that he would intercede for Franklin. 
This he peremptorily refused to do. Col. Picker- 
ing returned to his family, having been absent 
about a month. He had not suffered in health, 
having had plenty of wintergreen tea, coffee made 
of scorched Indian meal, and plenty of venison, and 
some bread. Col. Pickering was quite an epicure. 
It is said that after this, during Washington's ad- 
ministration, when negotiating a treaty with the 
Indians, a vast table being surrounded by Com- 
missioners, Contractors, and Indian braves, the 
conversation turned upon the characteristic desig- 
nation of the Chiefs. One was that of the Eagle; 
another of the Tortoise, etc. An old warrior seeing 
Col. Pickering disposing of his eleventh cup of 
coffee, exclaimed, " He Wolf Tribe." This incident 
doubtless occurred at Tioga Point, at the great 
treaty in 1790. After serving his country in the 



DISTINGUISHED CHARACTERS 113 

capacities of Postmaster General and Secretary 
of State, he removed to Massachusetts, his native 
State, which he afterwards represented in the 
United States Senate. He died 1829, aged 84 
years. Not a man in the nation stood higher. 

Col. Franklin remained a prisoner in Philadel- 
phia Jail many months. His health began to fail, 
and the iron will and iron frame of this Hero of 
Wyoming began to give away. He petitioned the 
Supreme Court that he might be liberated on find- 
ing bail. The lion being tamed, the purpose of a 
new and independent government being aban- 
doned, Colonel Franklin was liberated. 

His second wife was a Mrs. Bidlack, whose hus- 
band had fallen in battle. 

Her daughter, Sarah, married Mr. Samuel Oven- 
shire, the father of the Ovenshire family among 
us. Col. Franklin and his wife were both buried 
on the farm he owned, opposite our village. 

He was a representative in the Pennsylvania 
Legislature from Luzerne, and afterwards from Ly- 
coming; was also High Sheriff for Luzerne Co. 
He had in his possession several large books — 
records of the Susquehanna Co., which, it is to be 
regretted, have been scattered. 

The following leaf from the portfolio of an 
artist * may be of interest in connection with the 
above sketch of Col. Franklin: 

" Pennsylvania, generally, is attractive to an 
artist. My object in visiting the State was to study 
nature in her secret haunts. And no place in this 
fair creation offers more allurements than are to 
be found on the banks of the Susquehanna River. ^ 

* The late S. A. Mount, N. A. 



114 EARLY TIMES 

" In Athens, a northern town of Pennsylvania, I 
formed an acquaintance with the family of an old 
Eevolutionary veteran, Col. Franklin, who had 
signalized himself in the Revolutionary wars, and 
had prepared for publication a history of the event- 
ful struggle, so far as related to the vicinity of 
Wyoming. He was then suffering from paralysis, 
accompanied with frequent turns of mental aberra- 
tion. His family were under the apprehension that 
he was fast passing away, and being desirous to pre- 
serve some memento of him, solicited me to attempt 
his portrait. I was told that I must expect to ob- 
tain it with much difficulty and patience, owing to 
the melancholy prostration of his mental and 
physical powers. I repaired to the Colonel's house, 
professionally equipped with everything necessary 
for the accomplishment of my design. I was cor- 
dially received and conducted to the door of his 
apartment, and here commenced one of the most 
extraordinary scenes I ever experienced. I heard 
frequent cries of ' Murder ! ' On entering the room 
the most prominent object that appeared was the 
hoary headed veteran stretched upon his couch, 
with both his hands elevated, and his eyes keenly 
fixed upon me. At his feet sat an old companion 
in arms, named Moore (his nurse), who only could 
control the Colonel. I advanced coolly as possible 
to the middle of the room and placed my easel upon 
the floor, when the invalid again commenced his cries 
of ' Murder ! murder ! Moore, Moore ! ' Upon which 
the following dialogue commenced : ' Hallo, Colo- 
nel, what's the matter? ' ' Don't that fellow mean 
to kill me? ' ' No, no, Colonel, he won't touch 



DISTINGUISHED CHARACTERS 115 

you.' ' You lie, he means to murder me.' ' I tell 
you he don't, Colonel.' ' Who is he, Moore, a doc- 
tor? ' To humor his vagaries Moore told him I 
was. ' Come this way, doctor, I want to speak to 
you,' ' Moore, don't let him kill me.' ' Nonsense, 
nonsense. Colonel.' ' Doctor, am I dying? ' ' No, 
no. Colonel, let me feel your pulse,' I added. ' Have 
you been sent here to kill me, doctor? ' ' No, Col- 
onel, I have come to paint your portrait.' ' Then 
do you mean to kill me, doctor? ' ' Confound your 
nonsense, you old coward,' interrupted Moore, 
' what do you suppose he wants to kill you for, he 
has come to paint your portrait.' ' Don't murder 
me, doctor, don't murder me.' Moore took hold of 
the Colonel's throat, affecting to choke him, while 
the Colonel with his long arms, pounded Moore's 
head, at the same time exclaiming, ' Moore is kill- 
ing me, Moore is killing me ; take him off, doctor ! ' 
I was about interfering in favor of the Colonel, 
when Moore turned partly round and whispered 
to me to be silent, and he would soon quiet the old 
man, which to my surprise he accomplished in a 
few moments. The Colonel became exhausted from 
this struggle and conceived himself dying. At his 
request the family were called in to receive his 
farewell blessing. He was bolstered up and began a 
pathetic harangue to his family. The indifference 
manifested by all present somewhat surprised me 
at first, but I was soon led to account for it, when 
the Colonel suddenly starting up in bed, exclaimed 
vehemently, ' Moore, Moore, I'm hungry, I'm hun- 
gry ! Where is the doctor? ' This abrupt termina- 
tion gave a rather ludicrous effect to the whole 



116 EARLY TIMES 

scene, and the family, seeing no immediate danger, 
withdrew, and I approached the Colonel. ' Doc- 
tor,' asked he, ' are you a tory? ' ' I am not, Colo- 
nel.' ' What are you then? ' ' I am an artist, 
and with your permission will paint your portrait.' 
' Do you hate a tory, doctor? ' ' I do, Colonel.' 
' That's right, that's right. Moore, you and the 
doctor help me up.' We threw a cloak over him 
and seated him by a small table near the window. 
Food was brought to him and Moore ministered to 
his wants. 

" It would require the pencil of a Hogarth, or 
the pen of a Shakespeare to depict adequately the 
effect which this scene wrought upon me. In si- 
lence I regarded the two old veterans, recounting in 
their second childhood the recollections of the 
past. 

" ' Boasting aloticl of scars they proudly wore, 
And grieved to think their day of battle o'er.' 

" Thinking I should have no better opportunity 
of effecting the object of my visit, I proposed mak- 
ing a sketch of the Colonel, to which he readily 
assented, seeming pleased at the idea. The table 
was removed. 

".I arranged my light, and fixing my easel, com- 
menced my labors. My subject remained quiet half 
an hour, when he suddenly threw himself back in 
his chair, parted the bosom of his shirt and dis- 
played to my gaze a deep wound in his breast. ' Do 
you see that?' he exclaimed, his countenance beam- 
ing with enthusiasm. ' I do. Colonel.' ' I re- 
ceived that wound fighting for your liberty, my 



DISTINGUISHED CHARACTERS 117 

boy ! I want you to paint that in my picture. Yes, 
doctor/ he continued, ' I got it in the glorious 
cause of my country — the country I love with my 
heart and soul ! ' and the old man, unable to re- 
strain himself through weakness, burst into tears. 
I was affected, so was Moore, who said, ' All he 
tells you is true, sir.' In a few moments the Colo- 
nel resumed his former position, and I continued 
my task. It was not long before another incident 
occurred. I observed his countenance grew fiercer 
and firmer in its expression, until with his mouth 
partly open, his eyes glared upon me with the look 
of a demon. Cautiously hitching his chair nearer 
where I sat, he suddenly gave a kick and my easel 
and canvas lay prostrate on the floor. 

" Alarmed at this sudden demonstration of hos- 
tility, I started back, and in so doing raised my 
maul-stick. The Colonel regarded this movement 
on my part as a declaration of war, and threw him- 
self in an attitude of defense, exclaiming, ' Come 
on, you infernal traitors, you have been trying long 
enough to murder me. Stand by me, Moore.' 
^ Pardon me. Colonel.' ' I'll never pardon you, you 
are an infernal coward, isn't he, Moore? ' ' No, he 
is not,' said Moore, ' and if you don't behave your- 
self he'll whip you as you deserve.' ' You lie, 
Moore, I can flog you and the doctor both.' Then 
a pugilistic encounter began between the two old 
soldiers. My picture was not injured, but I re- 
moved to a respectful distance. 

" The knowledge I had already gained of the 
Colonel's face enabled me to finish the portrait to 
the satisfaction of his friends; a sketch of which is 



118 EARLY TIMES 

now in my portfolio, which reminds me of the 
noble form of the worthy old officer and his com- 
panion Moore. A late visit to the romantic valley 
informed me that both of my old friends ' lay like 
warriors taking their rest,' on the beautiful banks 
of the Susquehanna." 

Colonel John Jenkins was a native of Windham 
County, Conn.; born 1751 and died in 1829. He 
w^as known extensively through the valley to the 
State line, and far into the Genesee country. Hav- 
ing been engaged foremost in the surveys of the 
Susquehanna Company, he was probabl^^ better 
acquainted with the country and the inhabitants 
than any other man. Everybody knew Colonel 
Jenkins. During the Revolutionary war he was 
captured and taken with others to the British lines. 
This afforded him an opportunity to gain much 
knowledge in relation to the Indian settlements, 
and enabled him to give valuable information to 
General Washington, w^hen planning the expedi- 
tion under Sullivan. Colonel Jenkins was chief 
guide for General Sullivan throughout the cam- 
paign. He was a very decided man. He declared he 
would never yield to the demands of Pennsylvania, 
and he kept his resolution. He never was con- 
quered, but went down to his grave protesting 
against Pennsylvania usurpation. 

Mr. C. Stephens remembers him well; thinks 
Colonel Jenkins surveyed all of the seventeen town- 
ships, and Athens in addition, before 1786, while 
the Indians were yet on the ground; that they 
were afraid of him, and he was not afraid of 
anything. 



XVII 

EARLY INHABITANTS 

Tioga Point was a place of great note among the 
Indians. It had been the rallying point for their 
warriors, and the rendezvous for their traders. 
Cornplanter, Big Tree, Red Jacket, and many of 
their noble braves have visited here, and met in 
council together. 

It was at Tioga Point that the great gathering 
of warriors from Niagara, Onondaga, and through- 
out the lake country took place, preparatory to 
their murderous expedition down the Susque- 
hanna, where, " like the wolf on the fold," they 
surprised the unsuspecting and unprotected in- 
habitants of Wyoming. 

During their wars with the whites of Pennsyl- 
vania many poor, heartbroken captives, children of 
tender years, men, and women, have been urged 
on their way to this place. 

It would seem from several accounts that this 
was the place of rendezvous for the captives taken 
in the wars of Pennsylvania. After an unsuccess- 
ful battle a man was looking out for a much loved 
friend ; he was informed that " he was wounded or 
dead or had gone to Tioga." (Taken captive.) 

Soon after the treaty with the Indians, and their 
removal, further apprehensions from them being 
at an end, many families of intelligence and means 

119 



120 EARLY TIMES 

came to reside at Tioga Point, and established 
themselves in business. 

About the period of 1788 the township of Athens 
or Tiogatown, as it was then called, began to be 
settled rapidly. Many families came from the 
lower part of the valley, principally Connecticut 
people, who had been sufferers together in their 
various struggles. The heads of these families — 
Swift, Stephens, Tyler, Mathewson, and many 
others — had bought under the Connecticut title for 
a small price, and placed their families upon their 
possessions, where they lived undisturbed many 
years. But Pennsylvania landholders were nu- 
merous, whose claims covered those of the Con- 
necticut settlers, and they were obliged to pay for 
their lands the second time, according to their 
estimated value, which, however, was small. 

The country throughout this entire Point, from 
Cayuga Creek to the confluence of the rivers, was 
covered with pines, with the exception of a few 
buttonwoods and elms which grew on the banks 
of the rivers. The soil at that time was poor and 
unproductive, and with all these obstacles it was 
sometimes difficult to obtain a livelihood, and the 
bickerings and strifes about titles were constant 
sources of contention. Assault and battery were 
not unfrequent. Murder was many times threat- 
ended and several times committed. Mr. Erwin, 
the father of James and Arthur, was sitting in his 
log house, near where the present McDuffee house 
stands, when he was fired upon through the win- 
dow and killed. Ira Stephens, the father of numer- 
ous children, was killed by the heavy blow of a 



EARLY INHABITANTS 121 

cudgel while absent from home. Joseph Tyler, the 
father of Francis Tyler, was assaulted when at 
work in his field and struck to the ground, and 
then beaten till he was supposed to be dead. He 
was afterward thrown over the fence among bushes 
to be concealed, but he revived and was restored. 

His skull was so injured that he never fully re- 
covered his faculties. The family was broken up 
and scattered. 

Daniel McDuffee came from Ireland to Philadel- 
phia; from thence to Athens in 1788, where he 
bought extensively of Mr. Erwin. Mr. McDuffee 
was a tall and sprightly man, and played well on 
the flute. " Come up to my house," said he to a 
young gentleman, who was also a musician, " and 
I will show you a raal flute." He had been a noted 
weaver in Ireland, and showed his skill in that line 
in weaving a piece of linen for a young lady of 
this neighborhood, which he offered to do on con- 
dition that she would spin the yarn. The offer was 
accepted, and the result was an uncommonly fine 
piece of cloth, some of which can be seen at this 
day. 

David, Clement, and Enoch Paine, brothers, came 
from Portland, Maine, in 1794 and '5, and settled 
at Athens. Ancient documents show that David 
Paine was employed as Clerk of the Susquehanna 
Company in 1795. He was early a merchant and 
inn keeper, and in 1808 was appointed Justice of 
the Peace, and for many years was Postmaster at 
Athens. He married Miss Phebe Lindsley, sister 
of Mrs. Dr. Hopkins. Both were accomplished and 
excellent ladies. 



122 EARLY TIMES 

After Mrs. Fame's death he married a cultivated 
lady from Portland, who survives him. Mr. Paine 
purchased several lots south of the Academy, 
where he passed the closing days of his life. His 
brother Enoch died there also, many years ago. 
The house occupied by his brother Clement was 
built by David Paine in 1803, and Mr. Dan. Elwell 
was architect. The old hotel was built by Mr. 
James Erwin near the close of the last century. 

Dr. Stephen Hopkins came from Morristown, N. 
J., about the same year with Mr. Paine. He is 
said to have built the first frame house on Tioga 
Point. The north wing of the Backus house alone 
remains of it. In 1802 he built his large house, 
still standing near the Stone Church, which he oc- 
cupied many years. This was in its prime a showy 
house, and a place of great resort. Besides his pro- 
fession as a physician, he did a large business as a 
merchant and inn keeper, as this was a general 
thoroughfare. Such establishments were in great 
demand, and being a profitable and popular busi- 
ness, many engaged in it. It was said that his table 
was not excelled by any in the western country. 

The Doctor owned the farm across the Chemung 
River, south of the bridge, which he cultivated. 
The high land is still called " Doctor's Hill." 

His practice, too, was extensive. Many will re- 
member his peculiar management of fevers — that 
of prescribing hemlock sweats and rye mush. His 
theory was that it removed the fever without de- 
bilitating the system. Mrs. Hopkins was a refined 
and Christian lady. They had four daughters and 
one son. Two of the daughters were educated at 



EARLY INHABITANTS 123 

Litchfield, Conn., and married W. and E. Her- 
rick, brothers. One married the late Doctor Hus- 
ton, a resident of this place for many years; and 
the youngest married the late Eev. J. Williamson. 
The son married a daughter of John Shepard, Esq. 
The Doctor died suddenly, March 24th, 1841. 

Joseph Spalding came from Plainfleld, Conn., in 
about 1796, and settled on the west side of the 
Chemung River with his family. His son, John 
Spalding, has been known among us many years, 
and his descendants are numerous. 

The Murray and Tozer families came about the 
same time. Colonel Julius Tozer was from New 
London, his wife from Colchester, Conn. Mr. Tozer 
and three of his sons were volunteers in the war of 
1812. He had a large family, and many of his 
descendants reside in this town. 

Jonathan Harris, from Newburg, bought a tract 
of land south of Shepard's Creek, near Susque- 
hanna River, under Connecticut title. Here he 
lived many years, but in 1800 a writ of ejectment 
was brought against him from a Pennsylvania com- 
pany of landholders, which required him to seek a 
home elsewhere. He was allowed to remain there 
several years. A part of the farm, where his son 
Alpheus lived, on the Chemung River, bordering 
on the State line, was bought for him by a son at 
Newburg, where he spent the remainder of his 
days. The farm is now owned by William W. 
Shepard. The older inhabitants still remember 
Mr. Harris as a shrewd, eccentric man. The ques- 
tion was once put to him as to the best occupation 
or calling for a young man. He replied that loan- 



124 EARLY TIMES 

ing money was the best business lie knew of, but 
difficult to establish. 

Major Zephon Flower came to Sheshequin in 
1788, where he remained until early in this century, 
when he removed to Athens. He learned survey- 
ing of Colonel Kingsbury, and followed that as his 
profession. He bought the farm once owned by 
Colonel Franklin, where himself and wife were 
buried. Near them lies Louisa, a maiden daugh- 
ter, who has often been seen in our streets, with a 
basket of nuts on her arm, distributing to the chil- 
dren, and giving a word of good advice. When 
she last called on us, we inquired what she could 
remember about the famine here in the last cen- 
tury. " It was bad enough," said she, " and a time 
of great distress among the inhabitants." She said 
they had a way of cooking up everything that could 
be eaten. They lived much upon pursley and ber- 
ries. When the grain was not more than half filled 
out, they cut much of it, and dried it in their large 
iron kettle over a slow fire, then put it on the 
Ibacks of the boys and sent it up to Mr. Shepard's 
mill to be ground. Sometimes they pounded it, 
and no one ever ate better shortcake than they 
had at such times. 

Mr. Stephens' account confirms hers, and fur- 
thermore says that people began to be in a state of 
starvation, and showed it in their emaciated looks, 
feeble walk, and lack of energy. Boat loads of 
flour were brought up the river to speculate upon. 
At one time a boat was boarded, and flour de- 
manded at a reasonable price. They had been of- 
fered sometimes as many silver dollars for a barrel 



EARLY INHABITANTS 125 

as they could place on a barrel head. Parents 
often referred to those times when their children 
complained of their food. It is thought, however, 
that none died of hunger. The famine was owing 
to the fact that a greater number of settlers came 
into the country than could be supplied with pro- 
visions, and fewer boat loads were brought up from 
lower Wyoming, on account of a scarcity there. 

The families of Minier, Morley, Griflln, Green, 
Lane, and Watkins arrived early in the present 
century. 

Joshua R. Giddings was born in the town of 
Athens. His family were temporary residents on 
the farm of Mr. D. Loomis (Queen Esther's Flats), 
where Joshua was born. They removed to Ohio 
when he was an infant. He became a man of repu- 
tation, and for many years was a prominent mem- 
ber of Congress. He was distinguished for his 
anti-slavery principles, which were then far in ad- 
vance of the times. He visited the place where he 
was born a short time before his death. 

After the opening of the new century many val- 
uable inhabitants came in, which added much to 
the growth and improvement of the place. 

Mr. Stephen Tuthill came here in 1800, and 
established himself as a merchant in the Hollen- 
back store, and occupied the house. Mr. Tuthill 
was a social, intelligent business man. Mrs. Tut- 
hill was a sensible, noble, and Godly woman. " Her 
price was far above rubies." After some years 
they removed to Elmira, w^here they spent the re- 
mainder of their days. They accumulated wealth, 
with which they were liberal and benevolent. 



126 EARLY TIMES 

Mr. John Miller, a merchant from Newtown, 
built the house now occupied by Mr. Stephens, 
which was at that time occupied as a dwelling 
and store. 

Mr. John Saltmarsh came from Fairfield County, 
Conn., in 1801. He was a graduate of Yale Col- 
lege, and was an intelligent, religious, and useful 
man. He built the house which is still known as 
the Saltmarsh House. He often opened it for re- 
ligious services when visited by missionaries or 
Methodist preachers, before there was any place 
of worship there. He received the appointment of 
justice of the peace soon after coming here, and 
kept a public house, which was always in good 
repute. Mrs. Saltmarsh was a perfect specimen of 
a noble New England woman. Mr. Saltmarsh died 
November 9th, 1815. His death was a great loss 
to the community, and an irreparable loss to his 
family. Mrs. Saltmarsh died July 4th, 1847. They 
had two sons and one daughter. The sons were 
engaged extensively many years in transporting 
mails at the South. Lorenzo Dow, a man remark- 
able for his eccentricities, visited this place in 
about 1810. He stopped at Squire Saltmarsh's and 
preached there. His preaching was said to be pe- 
culiar and very impressive. 

The decision of the Court of Trenton in 1782, 
giving the jurisdiction of the contested lands to 
Pennsylvania, did not deter the Connecticut set- 
tlers from occupying and settling their lands 
within the seventeen townships. 

This right was understood, from the Confirming 
act, and other acts of leniency from the State, and 




Col. John Franklin 



EARLY INHABITANTS 127 

it was difficult for the Connecticut settlers to fol- 
low up all the complicated laws and changes that 
the State might make, which were adverse to what 
they considered their just claims. Hence, they 
were ever ready to contend for their rights, and 
all through the close of the last century, and even 
after the Compromising act was passed, there w^as 
constant litigation between Connecticut and Penn- 
sylvania claimants about land titles and im- 
provements. 

Mr. Alpheus Harris bought of S. Swift a valu- 
able farm of four hundred acres, including Span- 
ish Hill, to the State line, under Connecticut title, 
about the close of the last century. Mr. Harris 
was a sensible and Godly man. It is said he was 
the first man that maintained family worship in 
the township of Athens. He lived on this farm 
with his family, pleasantly situated, many years, 
not doubting the validity of his title. In 1810 a 
suit of ejectment was brought against him by Jesse 
L. Keene, of Philadelphia, who had obtained a 
State claim. Mr. Keene surveyed the farm and 
gained the suit. It devolved upon Mr. Harris to 
pay the cost, but Mr. Keene offered to pay it, and 
allowed Mr. Harris to remain on the farm. 

Mr, Keene afterward sold it to Pitney Snyder, 
son-in-law to Mr. Harris, by whose family it is 
still owned. There were many cases similar to 
this. Mr. Harris was engaged with others in the 
surveying of the State line, 1786. 

Some favor was shown to Connecticut settlers 
by applying to the Legislature, although they had 
not followed the exact letter of the law, and no 



128 EARLY TIMES 

doubt, in some instances, political power decided 
for or against them. 

Mr. Elista Mathewson, father of the family well 
known in Athens, was one of the first purchasers 
under Connecticut title. He had bought of the 
Susquehanna Company a number of lots on the 
flats below the village, passing through the best 
part of what is now known as the Welles farm, 
and where the stone house now stands; also a lot 
in the village, on which he built a large frame 
house, painted red, in 1795. There Mr. Mathewson 
died, and his family lived in the house for a long 
time. The " Mansion House," built on the site of 
the old red house, is in possession of Mr. Elisha 
Mathewson, son of the early purchaser. 

Mrs. Mathewson being left a widow with a large 
family, was not willing to yield her claim to her 
home in the village, or that of her farm on the 
flats. The representatives of Mr. Carroll, holding 
a Pennsylvania title, had brought a suit of eject- 
ment in Circuit Court against Mrs. Mathewson, in 
1807, in which she failed to make any defense,, 
feeling secure under the Connecticut title. Judg- 
ment was rendered against her by default, and the 
Marshal proceeded to put Mr. Carroll in posses- 
sion, by his representatives, but was repelled by 
the family and friends of Mrs. Mathewson, who 
had barricaded the house, and prepared hot water, 
guns and ammunition, to quite an amount, for 
defense. 

The Marshal thought best to defer the object for 
a time, and Mrs. , Mathewson remained in posses- 
sion ever after. Mr. Henry Welles afterwards took 



EARLY INHABITANTS 129 

possession of the farm on the Point, which he had 
purchased of Mr. Carroll, and removed his family 
there in 1823. He built the stone house, barns, 
etc., and bought out the settlers generally on the 
farm, excepting Mrs. Mathewson. Her son Con- 
stant, having become of age, acted as agent for the 
family, and pursued his object most assiduously. 
He repaired to Harrisburg in 1823, and in 1824 
laid his case before the House of Representatives, 
and met with friends who favored his object. In 
1827 and 1828 he was chosen Representative and 
after unremitting perseverance on his part, the 
Legislature appointed Commissioners to appraise 
the land in controversy, and paid Mrs. Mathewson, 
from the public treasury, the sum of ten thou- 
sand dollars. 

George Welles, Esq., came from Glastonbury, 
Conn., to Tioga Point in the year 1799. He was 
a graduate of Yale College, and it was said of 
Mm that " his talents were ten." Soon after com- 
ing here he was appointed justice of the peace, 
and was engaged as a land agent for Mr. Carroll 
of Carrollton. 

He purchased many acres on the west side of the 
village, and built the house where Mr. Harris now 
lives, and died there in 1813. He was the father 
of the Welles family, residents of Athens, as also 
that of Wyalusing. He had three sons and two 
daughters, all of whom partook of the intelligence 
and refinement of their noble father and mother. 

Henry, his oldest son, was attractive and popu- 
lar. He early became acquainted at Baltimore 
with Messrs. Carroll and Caton, who were much in- 



130 EARLY TIMES 

terested in him, and through them he obtained the 
Welles farm. This engaging young man was once 
coming from Owego on horseback, and as he ap- 
proached Pike Creek he found a gentleman and 
lady, strangers, also on horseback, who were in a 
quandary about what they should do. The creek 
had overflowed its banks, and it was not possible 
to ford it. As Mr. Welles drew near they thank- 
fully availed themselves of his offer to guide them 
through a rough way to a bridge where they could 
cross. They were greatly accommodated, and as 
they all possessed uncommon conversational 
powers, we must suppose they had a social time. 
They were soon acquainted; Mr. Welles, Dr. Pat- 
rick and his sister, a beautiful and accomplished 
young lady, in intellect scarcely inferior to the gen- 
tlemen accompanying her. Doubtless they had an 
intellectual feast as they pursued their journey 
down the Susquehanna to Tioga Point, where Mr. 
Welles resided; and by this time an attachment 
was formed between Mr. Welles and Miss Patrick 
which they had not been anticipating. The doctor 
and his sister tarried over night to rest, and then 
went on their way to Kingston, 80 miles down the 
river, where they resided, with the intimation from 
Mr. Welles that business might make it necessary 
for him to visit Kingston shortly. He went, and 
in a few weeks the lady became his bride. 

They immediately started for his home on horse- 
back. They arrived late in the evening of the next 
day at the ferry, a little below the village, and 
found it was not safe to cross the river with horses 
at night, as the water w^s high. 




Gen. Henby Welles 



EARLY INHABITANTS 131 

There was no alternative but to remain at the 
ferry house, or cross in a small boat and walk 
home from the river. They did this, and were soon 
received in the embraces of waiting friends. Sel- 
dom has a bride met with so cordial a welcome. 
Her reputation was known, as a superior girl and 
a devoted Christian. The few religious ladies felt 
strengthened by such an acquisition to their so- 
ciety. But owing to the dampness of the earth and 
of the evening air on the night of her arrival she re- 
ceived a chill, from which she did not recover. Her 
lungs became affected, a cough ensued, and not- 
withstanding all the efforts of kind friends and 
physicians, in twenty-one days after their mar- 
riage she died, 1809, the early bride of Henry 
Welles. 

After recovering somewhat from the shock of 
this affliction the business of life again engaged his 
attention. Perplexities about land titles had al- 
ready arisen,* but having the State claim, he felt 
sanguine that his cause was just and would be 
paramount to any other ; yet he was much annoyed 
by the early Connecticut claimants, particularly 
the Mathewson claim. After much litigation rela- 
tive to it, the State, after many years, satisfied the 
Mathewson demand, as before mentioned, and left 
Mr. Welles unembarrassed, in possession of his 
princely farm. In 1812 he married again, a daugh- 
ter of Colonel John Spalding, of Sheshequin. 

Mr. H. Welles was first a representative from 
Lycoming County, and after Bradford County was 
organized, he was sent two years to Harrisburg as 
representative, and four years as Senator, between 



132 EARLY TIMES 

the years 1812 and 1818, from the county of Brad- 
ford. Through his influence the Academy Bill was 
passed in 1813. He became a favorite of Governor 
Snyder, who appointed him one of his aides, with 
the rank of general; hence his title. He wrote to 
his brother of his appointment, who informed Mrs. 
Welles that a general would be there to dine. She 
exerted herself to prepare a table appropriate to 
her unknown guest, and when the time arrived was 
gratified to find that the general was none other 
than her husband. He died suddenly, on his farm, 
December 1833, aged 53 years, leaving his farm to 
his sons. 

General Welles was seldom equaled in intellec- 
tual and conversational powers, and was much 
admired in society. In his later days he was more 
inclined to religious reading, and whatever may 
have been his former views, he expressed his con- 
viction of the excellence of the Christian religion, 
and his approbation of the benevolent societies of 
the day. His business capacities were remarkable, 
and under his personal supervision his grounds 
brought forth bountifully, and his barns were 
filled with plenty. 

Mr. C. Stephens, the oldest man living among 
us, was three years of age when his father's family 
removed from Wyoming to this place, in 1788, two 
years before the treaty with the Indians. 

His recollection of olden times is remarkable, 
and he has given us much information about past 
events. 

Francis Tyler was an enterprising lad, who, find- 
ing he must depend upon his own exertions, was 



EARLY INHABITANTS 133 

industrious and frugal, and engaged in whatever 
object of pursuit presented itself, and after a few 
years surprised his friends by purchasing one of 
the most valuable farms in the country. With his 
continued industry and good management, together 
with the ordinary rise of property, he became a 
wealthy citizen, and has now arrived at an age of 
more than four score years. 

Dr. Thomas Huston came to Athens in 1812, 
married a daughter of Dr. Hopkins, and took his 
practice as physician. In 1824 he removed with 
his family to the west branch of the Susquehanna, 
and after several years returned to his practice in 
Athens, where he passed the remainder of his life. 
He died in June, 1866. 

A bachelor, whose name is not recorded, bought 
of the Susquehanna Company the lot of land below 
the Mile Hill, containing twenty acres. He had 
been suffering from hypochondria, and being in 
destitute circumstances he offered to sell to Mr. 
Elisha Satterlee his lot of land for a French crown 
and a bandana handkerchief. The bargain was 
made, and Mr. Satterlee went home and informed 
his wife, who objected to the purchase, lamenting 
that they should have any additional taxes to pay. 
This lot of land was recently purchased of Judge 
Herrick by the Railroad Company for two hun- 
dred and fifty dollars per acre. 

Edward Herrick, Esq., w^as married in 1813 to 
Miss C. Hopkins, daughter of Dr. Hopkins. They 
made their bridal tour on horseback through the 
wilds of Pennsylvania, over rough roads, swollen 
streams, and through an unsettled country, to the 



134 EARLY TIMES 

interior of Ohio. It required many days to accom- 
plish the journey. He remained there about three 
years, when he returned in a carriage, with his 
wife and little son and a faithful negro man for 
driver. This was Peter Carlisle, whose numerous 
descendants are now living in the township of 
Smithfield. 

Mr. Herrick was admitted to the bar in Ohio, 
practiced law in Bradford County several years, 
and was in 1818 appointed Presiding Judge over 
the 11th Judicial District, consisting of Susque- 
hanna, Bradford, and Tioga, to which were added 
Potter and McKean Counties. He is still living, 
at the advanced age of 82 years. 

Michael R. Tharp, an agent for the Pennsylvania 
landholders, bought a beautiful lot on the bank of 
the Susquehanna, where he erected a dwelling. In 
a few years his house was sold to Judge Herrick, 
who has occupied it about half a century. 

Hon. Horace Williston was a native of Suffield, 
Conn., and the youngest brother of the late Seth 
Williston, D. D. He studied law with Hon. Vin- 
cent Matthews, of Elmira, and entered upon the 
practice of his profession at Binghamton, N. Y. 
He came to reside at Athens in 1819. He was emi- 
nent in his profession, and had extensive practice 
throughout Northern Pennsylvania. As a lawyer 
he was distinguished for his strict integrity and 
love of justice. For several years he was Presid- 
ing Judge of the Thirteenth Judicial District. 
Though talented and popular in his profession, his 
surviving friends love to contemplate his Christian 
character, in the family circle — in the weekly meet- 



EARLY INHABITANTS 135 

ing for prayer — at the monthly concert, and in his 
fidelity as ruling elder in the Church. Young men, 
just entering upon the practice of the law, have 
often been referred to Mr. Williston as an example 
in the profession that would be safe for them to 
follow. He died August 14th, 1855, saying : " I 
want to lie down in the grave and rest until the 
resurrection morn." 

These eminent men — Judge Herrick, Judge Wil- 
liston and Judge Elwell — were all . residents of 
Athens; and Judge Elwell, who is now presiding 
over the Twenty-sixth Judicial District, is a native 
of this town. 

Hon. Thomas Maxwell was born at Tioga Point, 
in the Hollenback house, 1790. His family removed 
to Newtown early in the beginning of this century. 
As he grew up to manhood he was brought into 
notice by his talents and industry. He was at one 
time County Clerk for the old County of Tioga, 
N. Y., and was for many years Postmaster of the 
village of Elmira. At the age of about thirty he 
was elected a member of the House of Eepresenta- 
tives from the Congressional District where he 
lived, and his services were satisfactory. 

The circumstances of his death were very pain- 
ful. Passing to his office after dinner, by way of 
the railroad bridge, he was run over by a freight 
train and survived but a short time. The Elmira 
paper remarked : " The community has met with 
a loss in the death of this gentleman, not easily 
supplied. He has resided from his youth to the 
period of his death in this City, having witnessed 
its growth from a small village to a large and flour- 



136 EARLY TIMES 

isliing town, tlie center of a widely extended trade, 
and the terminus of railroads and canals, for whose 
completion he was a faithful and influential la- 
borer." He was present at the " Old Settlers' 
Meeting " held at Athens in 1854, and contributed 
much to the interest and instruction of the assem- 
bly. He died in 1863. 

Newtown was called by that name when Sulli- 
van's army passed through the country, which 
name was retained until by act of Legislature, in 
1808, it was changed to Elmira. The village was 
incorporated in 1815. It has been a place of much 
business importance. The Elmira Female College, 
which was incorporated and opened in 1855, now 
ranks among the first collegiate institutions of the 
State. Elmira is now a beautiful city, containing 
20,000 inhabitants. 

Owego is charmingly situated on the Susque- 
hanna Elver, near the creek from which it derives 
its name. The Owego Creek, meaning " Swift 
Water," was an important boundary with the In- 
dians when they disposed of their lands lying on 
either side of it. 

Mr. Draper purchased of the Indians a half 
townshij) east of the creek, embracing the site where 
Owego now stands. The Indian name has been 
retained with slight variation. The early settlers 
spelled and called it Ah-wah-gah, which Judge 
Avery considers more correct. 

Owego and Elmira were half shire towns for 
Tioga County until a Court House w^as built at 
Spencer in 1812, where they held their courts for 
this extensive county. The Court House was de- 



EARLY INHABITANTS 137 

stroyed by fire in 1821, and in 1836 the county 
was divided into Tioga and Chemung, Owego and 
Elmira being the county seats. 

The medicinal springs at Spencer are much cele- 
brated, and quite a place of resort for invalids. 

The country below the village of Owego on the 
Susquehanna, and below Elmira on the Tioga, 
down to the State line, is interspersed with many 
small villages, while schools and churches, which 
always indicate improvement, have become numer- 
ous. A half century ago school houses were gen- 
erally built of logs, and barns and private houses 
were used for churches. Many in the surrounding 
country will remember the crowds on foot and 
horseback which might be seen passing on their 
way up to the large barn of Samuel Ellis, in Ellis- 
town, or to the log dwelling of Mr. Hanna (who 
lived to be over one hundred years old). The 
influence that spread from these early religious 
meetings was salutary and extensive, and the spirit 
of them is felt by many now living. 

Several young men among the Tozer and Ellis 
families, together with a son of Judge Coryell and 
some others, became preachers of the gospel, and 
have spent long lives of usefulness. Some years 
after, K. Elwell and T. Wilcox, of Milltown, were 
licensed as preachers of the gospel. 



XVIII 

MILLTOWN 

Late in the last century a street was laid out in 
the north part of Athens, on the ridge, extending 
up to the State line, and a settlement made which 
was called Milltown. The lots were large, and 
houses were built for a physician, a clothier, a 
tanner and shoemaker, blacksmith, carpenter, and 
deer skin leather dresser, which with the mills, 
store and public house, made it quite a business 
place. 

The burying ground was laid out as it now is, 
and a large log school house erected upon it, which 
from its first opening was an institution of impor- 
tance. Dr. Prentice, an educated and useful man, 
was the first teacher employed there. He removed 
his family from New London, Conn., to Pennsyl- 
vania in 1797. A house was built for him on the 
hill, near the creek, and a drug store connected 
with it; a part of the original building still 
remains. 

He was one of the sufferers in New London at 
the time that city was burned by Arnold the trai- 
tor, in 1781, and continued there some years in 
the practice of his profession. He was an uncle 
of John Shepard, and much beloved by him. There 
was no place of resort that afforded so much pleas- 
ure as the house of Dr. Prentice, across the way, 
where visitors were entertained with books, inter- 

138 



MJLLTOWN 139 

esting stories and ancient curiosities. Among the 
latter were the bed curtains, painted by Mrs. Pren- 
tice herself, on pure Irish linen. On the head cur- 
tain sat the King and Queen, crowned with regal 
dignity, with fruits and flowers surrounding them. 
On the side curtains were lesser dignitaries, with 
vines and grapes and flowers. On the valance was 
a vine extending the entire length, with clusters 
of grapes, ripe plums and pears. The work was 
neat and elegant, and the design ingenious. But 
what was more than all, their crowning value was 
that they were much scorched and damaged at the 
time New London was burned by Arnold the traitor 
during the Revolution. 

These were brought out only on extraordinary 
occasions to entertain visitors and particular 
friends. An elegant toilet cover, also stitched with 
the needle by this ingenious woman, and the an- 
tique silver cup and elegant china punch bowls, 
were among the curiosities exhibited, saved from 
the wreck of Arnold's depredations. Some of them 
are yet to be seen in the possession of children's 
children. 

Mrs. Prentice was the daughter of the Rev. Mr. 
Owen, of Groton, a friend and contemporary of 
President Edwards. 

Dr. Prentice practiced medicine in this country 
several years. He died suddenly, in August, 1805, 
much beloved and lamented. 

His son, William, who was well educated, came 
into this country in 1798. He had been admitted 
to the bar in New London, and practiced law in 
Lycoming County, at Williamsport. A little more 



140 EARLY TIMES 

than a year after his father's death, on his return 
from court, he was taken sick with fever at his 
boarding house (Squire Saltmarsh's), went to his 
home at Milltown, and died in a few days, in the 
fall of 1806. He was a young man of good talents 
and fine personal appearance. He wore his hair 
braided, hanging on his shoulders, according to 
the custom of the times. In his death the high 
hopes of his family and friends were suddenly 
blasted. 

Dr. Prentice's eldest son was a physician, and 
settled at Sag Harbor, on Long Island. 

Another son was a tanner, and had an estab- 
lishment a little above his father's, opposite the 
residence of Mr. O. B. Spring. He went west with 
his family many years ago. 

One of the daughters married Dan. Elwell, of 
Westchester County, N. Y., a carpenter, who lived 
many years at Milltown. They, outlived the most 
of their children. Some still living hold high posi- 
tions. The surviving daughter, who had the care 
of her father many years, is living at Vanettenville, 
where he died, April 19th, 1868, at the age of 94 
years. Mrs. Elwell died many years ago. 

Dr. Prentice's second daughter married John 
Spalding. He was first Sheriff of Bradford 
Countj^, and lived at Athens, opposite the village, 
until his death. 

The third daughter married J. F. Satterlee, who 
was a merchant at Milltown, and afterward at 
Tioga Point, where Mrs. Satterlee died. 

Mrs. Prentice was a lady of intelligence and of 
a cheerful temperament. When living alone, after 



MILLTOWN 141 

her husband's death and children's marriages, she 
would often, notwithstanding her advanced age 
and bereavements, entertain her company by dress- 
ing herself in her rich damask, with long bodice 
waist and sleeves tight to the elbow, with wide lace 
ruffles and a long trail to her skirt, thrown over her 
arm, as was the style of her early days. 

Dr. Spring succeeded Dr. Prentice as physician 
at Milltown. He also taught school a long time in 
connection with his practice. 

The first school house was on the north side of 
the road, on the burying ground lot, near the pres- 
ent entrance. There the youth of that day were 
taught the rudiments of education, and many were 
graduated there. The school was sometimes vis- 
ited by New England missionaries, who gave the 
pupils excellent instruction, and presented them 
with good books. 

The school had been taught by Dr. Prentice^ 
Amos Franklin, brother of Colonel Franklin, Dr. 
Satterlee, and several New England men of edu- 
cation and refinement. 

But this seat of learning passed away suddenly. 
One morning early we were terrified by seeing it 
in flames, and the cumbrous logs one after another 
fell to the ground. Some business men from Phila- 
delphia were once at Mr. Shepard's, when his 
young son, Isaac, was called upon to do the writ- 
ing. " Where was your son educated? " inquired 
one of the gentlemen, when he saw his penmanship. 
Mr. Shepard pointed to the log school house and 
said " it was there my son was educated." 

Captain Thomas Wilcox came from Tyringham, 



142 EARLY TIMES 

Mass., near the beginning of this century, and set- 
tled at Milltown. He was a blacksmith by trade, 
and commenced life with small means. He pur- 
chased a valuable tract of land of Mrs. Shepard, 
for which he succeeded in paying by close appli- 
cation to his trade, and by transporting goods 
across the country from Catskill, bringing supplies 
of dyestuffs, machinery, and various articles for 
the mills. Mrs. Wilcox was a humble and devoted 
Christian. 

Francis Snechenberger was a German, who came 
from Philadelphia in 1799. He bought a lot of 
land in Milltown, containing about three acres. 
Mr. Snechenberger was a deer skin leather dresser. 
Loads of deer skins were taken to him, and there 
dressed and manufactured into mittens, moccasins 
and breeches, until a load was made out, which 
he peddled about the country, bringing home 
money and necessaries for his family. The day 
he was 70 years old he was drowned by falling 
into his spring. 

His wife was an Irish woman, who sometimes 
entertained us with her adventures. In early life 
she left her home in Ireland, which did not suit 
her ambitious mind, and worked for her passage 
across the ocean. When she arrived at Philadel- 
phia she went first to the house where Major 
Andre was imprisoned a little previous to his exe- 
cution. She understood the circumstances of his 
case, and her sympathies for him were greatly 
moved. She was afterwards directed to the house 
of Dr. Willson, and Katie became the nurse of the 
infant James P. Willson, subsequently the Rev. J. 



KILLTOWN 143 

P. Willson, D. D., pastor of the First Presbyterian 
Church on Independence Square, Philadelphia, 
and predecessor of Kev. Albert Barnes. 

According to her own story, she received much 
kindness and many favors from the good mother, 
" Madame Willson," yet sore offense did she give 
this honored lady, when on arriving at womanhood 
she yielded her consent to become the wife of 
Francis Snechenberger, a German, who fell in her 
way. When Katie timidly revealed the case to her 
mistress, the Madame, with much feeling, ex- 
claimed, " Hang the men." She was loath to give 
up her faithful nurse and kind handmaid. Katie 
had been a great reader, and brought with her to 
this country a mind stored with royal lore. Kings 
and Queens, Princes and Dukes, with their retinues 
and historical peculiarities, were as familiar to her 
as her books and family intimates. 

She had access to some medical works at Dr. 
Willson's, by which she acquired much knowledge 
of medicine. After her marriage she came to this 
place, and conceived the idea of becoming a female 
physician and nurse. She soon acquired celebrity 
and had an extensive practice. Some of her garden 
herbs still yield abundantly by the wayside. She 
had one daughter, who married William, son of 
Philip Cranse. 

Another remarkable character was Mrs. Mead, 
said to have been a hundred years old when she 
died. She was a native of Dutchess County, and 
married a man much inferior to herself. 

During the Eevolutionary war the British came 
suddenly upon them and were about to take away 



144 EARLY TIMES 

her husband as prisoner. She af&rmed that her 
husband was an idiot, and would be of no possible 
use to them, and must remain under her care. The 
argument prevailed, and she was ever after the sole 
director of their domestic affairs, which under the 
management of this energetic woman afforded 
them a comfortable living. Her family made one 
of the first openings on the surrounding mountains, 
on a sightly spot back of Waverly, which is still 
called " Mead's hill." * 

Josiah Crocker removed from Lee, Mass., to Mill- 
town in 1808, and engaged with Mr. Shepard in 
building a fulling mill and saw mill across the 
State line, on the Thomas tract. Carding machines 
were added afterwards. 

Mr. Crocker had a large family of sons and two 
daughters, well trained after New England cus- 
toms. The first object with him was to have the 
school house rebuilt. It is said that this good man 
when he went into the w^oods with his line and 
plummet knelt down by the first timber that was 
felled, and prayed that the house they were about 
to build might be one for the honor and glory of 
God and the good of the people. A snug school 
house was soon erected on the opposite side of the 
road from the old one, where the higher branches 
as well as rudiments were taught, and foundations 
laid for future development. Some distinguished 
men, both in Church and State, have received their 
education there. It also served as a church, and 
the then young and talented, now the aged and ven- 
erable. Dr. Wisner, of Ithaca, first preached there 
and at the academy at " The Point " alternately, 
* Site of Waverly Water Works. 



MILLTOWN 145 

on the Sabbath, in 1812-15, but after serving two 
generations the house was demolished. The dis- 
trict having become reduced by the removal of 
families toward the Susquehanna Elver, another 
school house was built, near Wheelock's factory, 
which has superseded the old one of cherished mem- 
ory. Mr. Crocker built a small house for himself 
on the ridge, near Factoryville, opposite the mill 
where he and his numerous boys were engaged in 
carding wool, dressing cloth and sawing lumber. 
The morning and evening sacrifices were daily of- 
fered there, and it was pleasant to see on the Sab- 
bath this long train of neatly clad and well in- 
structed children following their parents to the 
place of worship. They removed west in 1818. 

The earliest record we have of the burying of the 
dead in this place is that of the soldiers of General 
Sullivan who fell in the battles with the tories and 
Indians at Chemung in 1779. 

It is said that thirty of them were killed, but it 
is not known that more than six were brought to 
Tioga for interment. The presumption is there 
were more. 

Mr. C. Stephens, whose family came here as 
early as 1788, says that the dead, both whites and 
Indians, were buried along the ridge, where the 
burying ground was laid out by the Connecticut 
settlers, and afterwards given to the town by Mr. 
Caton, the Pennsylvania claimant and proprietor. 
It is not known that Mr. Caton ever gave a formal 
deed. The lot was fenced and man^^ were buried 
there before the close of the eighteenth century. 

It was at first enclosed by a splint rail fence. 



146 EARLY TIMES 

A brisk northwester once caused such vibration 
of the splinters as to produce a doleful moaning 
which some thought resembled the voice of an old 
Indian woman, who had recently been buried there, 
and her superstitious enemies verily thought she 
was coming again to take vengeance upon them. 
Some persons of courage ventured to investigate 
the mystery, and reported to the troubled ones — 
much to their relief. This was one of the legends 
of early days. As we enter this hallowed place, 
solemn and thrilling remembrances steal over us. 
Here are gathered the friends of early days, with 
whom we have " taken sweet counsel and walked 
to the house of God in company." Families in 
their narrow house here rest peacefully with only 
the cold marble and the dull earth to mark their 
possession. Men of business have here laid them 
down to rest, wearied of the turmoil of life, the 
fruitless greed of gain, and the ambition which 
rules, but never satisfies. Pastor and people, in a 
" Congregation which ne'er breaks up," are here 
assembled — faithful fathers and tender mothers, 
blooming daughters and noble sons, until the earth 
is moistened by tears and hallowed by sacred affec- 
tion. Little children, too, are here, the music of 
their voices hushed; little feet tire, little hearts 
grieve no more, for " He who gathers the lambs 
with His arm and carries them in His bosom, has 
safely garnered them into His upper fold." 

" There are treasures, deep hid in this mouldering earth, 
Precious gems laid tenderly down." 

" Who is that coffin for? " said a young man as 



MILLTOWN 147 

he entered a cabinet shop in this place. He was 
in the flush of youth and health, and gave prom- 
ise of many years of life and labor. " It is for 
you," was the careless and jocose reply. " I am 
not ready for it yet," rejoined the youth. He was 
much nearer death, the cofifln and the grave, than 
he then thought. In a few days he was seized 
with a violent fever, which in a short time ter- 
minated his career, and he was buried in the same 
coflfln over which those thoughtless remarks were 
made so recently. 

" Walk solemn on the silent shore 
Of that vast ocean we must sail so soon." 

A new cemetery has been recently opened on the 
Plains, which will be made both ornamental and 
attractive, but the old burying ground should be 
carefully guarded and sacredly venerated, as the 
resting place of those who have served their gen- 
eration faithfully and left to us so goodly a 
heritage. 

The Milltown burying ground, in the north part 
of the town, was given to the public by John Shep- 
ard, Esq., in the last century. 

He has been buried there many years, with nu- 
merous descendants and friends around him. The 
ground has been neatly enclosed by Mr. O. B. 
Spring, and ornamented with trees, giving addi- 
tional beauty to the surrounding neighborhood. 

From the first settlement of Athens, by the Con- 
necticut people, their attention was given to the 
education of their children. As early as the sur- 
vey of the township, in 1786, we find on a map of 



148 EARLY TIMES 

that date public lands appropriated for that object. 
This lot of several acres was situated north of the 
Susquehanna Bridge road, the river on the east, 
and the road leading to Milltown on the west. It 
was thickly covered with pines on the north. Soon 
after the settlement of the town the first school 
house in the township was built on this land, near 
the location of the present district school house. 

It was a small building of logs, suited to the 
wants and circumstances of the inhabitants at that 
time. The first school was taught by Benedict Sat- 
terlee. He was a Connecticut man, of good edu- 
cation and standing. As the country became 
settled, and a larger house was in demand, another 
school house was built on an improved plan, of 
hewn logs, on the street leading to Milltown. This 
school was taught by Daniel and Elias Satterlee, 
brothers of Benedict. Elias Satterlee afterward 
studied medicine and removed to Elmira. Mr. 
Samuel Satterlee was also a man of education, 
and taught at Athens, and was at one time a mem- 
ber of the Legislature. 

This was the only literary institution for many 
years. It is said to have been a very good school. 
This school house was burned early in the century. 
A school was afterward opened in the large log 
building formerly occupied by Mr. Alexander, on 
the cross street, north from Chemung bridge, and 
extending through the Paine lot, to the Susque- 
hanna river.* 

* No remains of this once important street are left. On it 
there have been two stores, a dwelling house, school room, and 
place for religious meetings, and near by a distillery, altogether 
making it quite a prominent street. 



MILLTOWN 149 

This was taught by a Mr. Thompson. The room 
was sometimes used for religious meetings, until 
the academy was in progress. 

The old academy records, commencing with the 
date, Tioga, Fel:)ruary 11th, 1797, have furnished 
the following account of its first commencement, 
written by Mr. Daniel Alexander, one of the ear- 
liest residents : 

" Whereas, it is the earnest wish of many of the 
inhabitants of this town that a public building 
should be erected for the accommodation of an 
Academy, or seminary of learning for the accom- 
modation of youth, and also be occasionally occu- 
pied as a place of public worship, or other public 
purposes ; and whereas the erection of such a build- 
ing on Tioga Point, and making other public im- 
provements, would not only be of great use and con- 
venience to the inhabitants, but would also have a 
tendency to enhance the value of land and other 
property, the subscribers to this agreement do 
therefore mutually covenant and agree to form 
themselves into an association for the purpose 
aforesaid, to be subject to the following regula- 
tions." 

Then follows a series of resolutions, common 
upon the organization of such associations, four- 
teen in number. 

The 12th resolution is, " the building contem- 
plated shall be erected on one of the public lots in 
the township of Athens, on Tioga Point, and the 
construction thereof shall be as follows: It shall 
be forty-two feet in length, twenty-four in width, 
and two stories high. The second story shall be 



150 EARLY TIMES 

formed into one entire hall, to be arched and fin- 
ished in a handsome manner." 

Committee reported that they had decided upon 
a building lot. It was built by subscription, and 
divided into shares of thirty dollars each. The 
names of the subscribers were Noah Murray, Sen., 
Chester Bingham, Joseph Spalding, Levi Thayer, 
David Alexander, Nathan Thayer, John Shepard, 
David Paine, Joseph Hitchcock, Elisha Mathew- 
son, Ira Stephens, Elisha Satterlee, Samuel Camp- 
bell, John Spalding, Nathan Buel, Clement Paine, 
Julius Tozer, Jonathan Harris, Joseph Far- 
lane, Daniel Satterlee, Simon Spalding, Thomas 
Overton, John Jenkins, George Welles, John 
Franklin, Warton Reid, Stephen Hopkins. 

March 2d, 1797. At a meeting of the stockhold- 
ers of Athens Academy, held agreeable to notifica- 
tion at the house of Captain Elisha Mathewson, 
on Thursday, March 2d, 1797, voted that Noah 
Murray, Esq., be chairman, that Clement Paine 
be secretary of this society. Voted, that Major 
Elisha Satterlee, Messrs. John Spalding and John 
Shepard, be trustees of this society. The name 
decided upon was that of the Athens Academical 
Society. 

March 3d, 1798. Resolved, That this society will 
petition the Legislature for an act of incorpora- 
tion, and also the grant of a lottery. Resolved, 
That the society will petition the Susquehanna 
Company, at their next meeting, for a grant of 
land, to be appropriated as a fund, for the said 
seminary of learning. 

The frame was raised and enclosed, but the work 



MJLLTOWN 151 

dragged heavily. After raising the frame and mak- 
ing some progress, their funds were exhausted, and 
the building remained unfinished for a length of 
time, and was used, so tradition says, by merchants 
and others for storing surplus property or goods, 
and that it actually became a depository for hay, 
flax, skins, and the like articles. This kind of 
testimony, though not reliable, would seem in the 
present case to be corroborated by a petition on 
record in the archives of said institution, from the 
" proprietors " to the trustees, requesting them " to 
prevent any person whatever from putting hay, 
flax, or any other thing whatever in said 
building." 

The fact that it remained for some length of time 
in a neglected condition gave occasion to apply to 
it the language of a traveling poet : 

" Their only school house quite in ruin lies, 
While pompous taverns all around them rise." 

It must be confessed there was too much justice 
in the criticism in regard to the school house, but 
it may be averred the writer took quite a poetic 
liberty with the taverns. 

May, 1808, they passed a resolution, and "au- 
thorized the trustees to advertise the academy for 
sale, to be sold on credit of twelve months, the 
purchaser giving judgment bonds with approved 
security." 

July 20th, 1808, they " agreed that the vote of 
May last, for selling said building, be rescinded 
and of no effect." 

In 1809 " Clement Paine was requested to re- 



152 EARLY TIMES 

pair tlie buiUliug, aud put the same iu a good state 
of preservation, with a bah\iice of one hundred and 
forty doHars due hiui, whieli lie hehl as a lien on 
said building until paid." 

The upper room of the aeademy was occupied by 
the Masonic society, and was under their control. 

1813. In consetpience of a petition of several 
meud)ers of the Athens Academical Society, pre- 
sented to the Assembly of the Couuuonwealth of 
Pennsylvania, by Henry Welles, Esq., a member 
thereof from Athens, an act was passed giving the 
trustees of the academy full control of everything 
appertaining to it as an institution of learning, and 
a grant of |2,000 to the trustees of said academy, 
which should by them be invested in some safe and 
productive stock, the interest of Avhich they should 
apply to the purposes of the institution. The acad- 
emy to school four poor children, not exceeding 
two years each, gratis; provided there is appli- 
cation made for them. The act passed 27th Feb- 
ruary, 1813. 

June 20th, 1813, Henry Welles was chosen trus- 
tee, to supply the vacancy caused by the death of 
George AVelles, his father. 

AN ORDER FROM THE TRUSTEES ON STATE TREASURER 

"July 10th, 1813. We have deputed Henry 
Welles, Esq., or order to receive the money from the 
State and his receipt shall be an adequate voucher. 
John Franklin, Julius Tozer, Abuer ^Murray, 
Stephen Hopkins, David Paine, John Saltnmrsh, 
John Shepard, Clement Paine." 

1814. Mr. Heurv Welles recommended aud en- 



MJLLTOWN 158 

gaged a young gentleman at Ilarrisburg for 
teacher, with a salary of five hundred dollars — Mr. 
Sylvanus Guernsey. Notice of school was adver- 
tised in the Wilkesharre Gleaner and Towanda 
papers. 

On Monday, the 25th of April, 1814, Mr. Guern- 
sey commenced the first school taught in the acad- 
emy. Left March Gth, 1815. 

In 1820 the trustees "voted that the funds ap- 
propriated by the State, amounting to |2,000, 
should be applied to aid the company for the erec- 
tion of a bridge over tlie Tioga river." 

March 5th, 1842, the academy was consumed by 
fire, together with quite a valuable library, philo- 
sophical apparatus and cabinet of curiosities. 

In 1843 the academy was rebuilt, under the 
superintendence of H. W. Patrick, Esq., at a cost 
of |2,000. 

In 1829 the bridge stock was sold to Judge 
Herrick. 

NAMES OF PRECEPTORS AT DIFFERENT PERIODS. 

Mr. Guernney 1814 Mr. Baldwin 1839-40 

Mr. Welles 181.5 J. Marvin 1840-41 

Nathaniel P. Talmadge. .181.5 Mr. Merchant 1842 

Mr. Bush 1815 L. M. Pert 1845 

Mr. Wellington 1816-17 h\ Ilendrick 1847 

Mr. Kee. 1818-19 Rev. C. Thurston 1849 

L. Butler 1822-2.3 E. I. Ford 1851 

Rev. J. Williamson 1824 .1. G. French 18.52 

L. S. Ellsworth 1825 A. Dunning 1852 

G. A. Mix 1825 .1. G and Wm. French . . . 1855 

E. Marsh 1828 J. S. Hopkins 18.56 

Ezra Stiles 1820-.30-31 F. Bixhy 18.59-60-61 

Dr. Win. McDougal 18.33 J. M. Ely 1862-6.3-64-65 

D. M. Bennet 1835 A. M. Loutrell 1866-67 

Bennet and Patrick 1836 C. Mullock 1868-69 

A. Williams 1837 



XIX 

POSTOFFIOE AND STAGES 

Previous to the opening of the new century, let- 
ters were conveyed by private individuals, and 
packages of letters were sent by the boats. It was 
sometimes attended with considerable labor to 
open and distribute these packages, which was 
always done at Hollenback's store. The mail was 
looked for as often as a boat arrived, and distrib- 
uted with as much order as circumstances would 
permit. 

No postofSce had been established at Athens un- 
til the summer of 1800, when Mr. William Prentice, 
son of Dr. Prentice, late of New London, received 
the appointment of postmaster. His office was in 
Hollenback's store. He was a young man of much 
promise, and his services in public life were held 
in high estimation. He acquitted himself honorably 
for a little more than five years, when he died sud- 
denly of fever. From this time there seems to have 
been no appointment made for two years. Col. 
Samuel Satterlee officiated pro tem, when Mr. 
David Paine was appointed postmaster in 1808, 
and served until 1818, when he was re-appointed, 
and continued postmaster until April, 1824, when 
he resigned in favor of D. A. Saltmarsh. Ebenezer 
Backus, appointed April 3d, 1827; Lemuel Ells- 
worth, 1831; John Judson, 1840; O. D. Satterlee, 
1841; C. S. Park, 1844; C. H. Herrick, 1845; N. C. 

154 



POSTOFFICE AND STAGES 155 

Harris, 1848; W. Olmsted, 1853; C. H. Herrick, 
1856 ; Wm. Fritcher, 1861 ; S. B. Hoyt, incumbent, 
1864. 

Ebenezer Backus, Esq., was engaged for the gov- 
ernment as traveling agent in the postoffice depart- 
ment, and resided at Athens with his family many 
years. He married Miss Lindsley, a sister of Mrs. 
Dr. Hopkins. Soon after he came to Athens he 
bought what is now called the Backus house,* of 
Jeremiah Decker, built in 1816. The north wing, 
as it now is, was a part of the first frame house in 
this place, built by Dr. Hopkins, near the close 
of the last century. It was in this wing of the 
house that the Congregational church was formed 
in 1812. Mr. Backus had a large family of sons, 
and three daughters, two of whom married mer- 
chants of this place, Mr. Tompkins, who afterwards 
removed to Binghamton, and Mr. Ellsworth, who 
removed to Chicago. Mr. Backus was very genial 
in his temperament, and this characteristic was 
hereditary in the family. 

An early settler states that his first recollection 
of a mail carrier is of one Bart. Seely. For several 
years he made his appearance once a week on 
horseback, with a small mail bag. Then came Coon- 
rod Teter, who commenced carrying the mail in 
1811 with a one horse wagon. He soon became the 
owner of two horses and a covered vehicle, and 
transported the mail several years from Wilkes- 
barre to Painted Post and back, once a week. After 
that he became the owner of a covered Jersey car- 

* The Backus house was bought in 1901 by Hon. E. H. 
Perkins, who removed the house and included the land in his 
fine lawn. 



156 EARLY TIMES 

riage, drawn by four horses, which ran between 
Wilkesbarre and Athens. 

In 1814 Samuel Ovenshire commenced a line 
from Athens to Chenango Point, with a one horse 
wagon, which he ran for about three years. 

In 1816 Conrad Teter went with his improved 
carriage and four horses to Owego, and started a 
line once a week from Owego to Newburg. It re- 
quired two weeks to perform the trip. At the same 
time his brother-in-law, Horton, carried the mail 
for him, from Wilkesbarre to Athens. From thence 
to Painted Post it was carried by the Saltmarsh 
l)rothers. 

In 1817 Justin Forbes commenced carrying the 
mail from Wilkesbarre to Athens, and continued 
four years. About this time Stephen B. Leonard 
ran a stage with the mail from Owego to Painted 
Post, by the way of Athens. 

In 1820 the route from Wilkesbarre was extended 
to Ithaca. Mr. Forbes retained his interest in the 
route to Wilkesbarre, and the Saltmarsh brothers 
ran a light two horse wagon from Athens to Ithaca. 

In 1824 Forbes and Saltmarsh resumed the con- 
tract to Ithaca, until they went South to engage 
more extensively in carrying the mails. 

In 1825 John Magee, of Bath, started a line with 
coaches twice a w^eek from Owego to Bath. He 
was succeeded by his brother, and he by Cooley 
and Maxwell. 

In 1849 the mails w^ere first carried west by the 
Erie railroad, and stages no longer run north and 
south since the opening of the Southern railroad in 
1867. 



XX 

SHAD FISHERY 

Within the purchase of the Howel tract by Mr. 
Shepard and Mr. Cranse, in 1806, there was a beau- 
tiful island in the Susquehanna Kiver, well calcu- 
lated for a fishery, and one was established by 
them forthwith. 

Mr. Cranse had the superintendence of it, and 
in the spring of the year his family were much 
occupied with making preparations for fishing. 
Shad came up the river immediately after it was 
clear of ice. They were of the finest quality, and 
in great abundance. They were caught on the 
point of the island, nearly opposite Mr. Cranse's 
door, and afforded entertainment to the many spec- 
tators that gathered there to see the process of 
fishing, as well as profit to the fishermen. First, a 
net of two or three hundred yards long and thirty- 
three meshes wide, made of strong linen twine, with 
weights on one side and buoys on the other, was 
taken into a large canoe. The canoe was then 
pushed up the river half a mile, leaving another 
canoe on the shore holding one end of the seine, 
while the first pushed across the Susquehanna, the 
men letting off the seine as they crossed to the 
opposite shore; when both moved silently down the 
river, pressing the unwary fish backward until they 
came to the island on either side, where was a gen- 
eral onset, the men jumping into the water, draw- 
ing up the seine, the fish floundering as they were 

157 



158 EARLY TIMES 

thrown upon the point of the island by hundreds, 
and sometimes more than a thousand at a haul, 
while many by bounding over the net or breaking 
through it would make a joyful escape. 

Then came the process of dressing and dividing 
them among such as were entitled to their share, 
and often have the poor felt rich and the rich glad, 
as they carried home their several portions, with 
the prospect of having fresh shad for supper, and 
a supply for days to come. At one time the shad 
were so abundant that the fishermen agreed not to 
sell for less than three dollars a hundred, but a 
purchaser coming on the ground, a man who had 
a quantity for sale told him he could not sell them 
for less than three dollars, but he would give him 
a gross hundred — one hundred and twenty-five. 

These shad came up the river in shoals, and the 
fishermen understood when they were approach- 
ing. Many barrels were packed in salt and sent 
to market. 

This luxury had been the blessing of the red man 
from time immemorial, and of the white man for 
many years, until the dams in lower Pennsylvania 
were built, for the accommodation of the canals. 
The Susquehanna River shad were said to be equal 
to those of the Hudson and Connecticut. There 
were other fisheries of some importance near this 
place — one on the Chemung River, which some- 
times yielded a bountiful supply. Boys of former 
years, as well as of later days, will always remem- 
ber their fishing parties, and the enthusiasm with 
which they have engaged in them both day and 
nisrht. 



XXI 

TROY AND ADJACENT TOWNS 

Sugar Creek, a stream emptying into the Susque- 
hanna at Towanda, formerly gave name to the 
region of country lying along its banks. 

The Indian name, according to Mr. Maxwell 
(who was interested in Indian history), was 
" Oscoluwa." Conrad Weiser, a noted Indian in- 
terpreter, when on an embassy from the govern- 
ment to the Six Nations at Onondaga, in 1739, 
found the Indians living at the headwaters of this 
stream destitute of food, and subsisting chiefly on 
the products of the maple tree, which they freely 
shared with him. 

The banks of Lycoming and Sugar Creeks, ap- 
proaching each other, were a thoroughfare for the 
Indians from the West to the north branches of 
the Susquehanna River, and after the natives were 
removed, the white people, following their track, 
found a promising and inviting country on these 
streams, and located farms, and established mills 
at a very early period. 

Great quantities of maple sugar were made in 
this region, and also in Springfield and Smithfield, 
which, with the immense yield of native black- 
berries and other wild fruit, afforded luxuries 
which the early inhabitants of the more cultivated 
parts of the country did not enjoy. 

159 



160 EARLY TIMES 

But large and thriving villages are now spring- 
ing up on the banks of these streams, and churches, 
schools and valuable machinery are indications of 
substantial improvement. 

Troy, pleasantly situated on Sugar Creek, about 
twenty miles from its mouth, is a very flourishing 
village, containing many handsome buildings, and 
is a place of considerable thrift and importance. 
Among the first settlers were Smead, Eundel and 
Case. 

Joseph Powel opened the first store in Troy, and 
an Englishman by the name of Philips kejjt the 
first tavern. The names of Ballard, Pomeroy and 
Long, are of later date. 

A Baptist Church was erected here more than 
fifty years ago. This church has been well sus- 
tained, and is now the largest religious society in 
the place. Their Pastor, now 78 years of age, Elder 
Sheardown, is said to be a man of talent, and his 
labors have been much blessed during the long 
period of his ministry. 

An institution of learning lately erected in Troy 
is an ornament to the place, and will do much to- 
ward promoting intelligence and refinement. 

Numerous villages are springing up on the line 
of the Northern Central Railroad, between Elmira 
and Williamsport, which opens uj) the beauties 
of the country, and illustrates the truth of the 
stanza : 

" Where nothing dwelt but beasts of prey, 
Or men as fierce and wild as they, 
He bids the opprest and poor repair, 
And builds them towns and cities there." 



TROY AND ADJACENT TOWNS 161 

Smithfleld was an unbroken wilderness until 
about 1795, when the first permanent settlement is 
said to have been made by Reuben Mitchel. 

In 1801 Samuel Kellogg, Nathan Fellows and 
Solomon Morse, of Poultney, Vermont, came to 
this uncultivated region and bought lands of the 
State for one dollar an acre, and settled with their 
families. 

They were organized into a Congregational 
church before leaving Vermont. They had a little 
money, with which they purchased some supplies, 
which they brought with them, and when their re- 
sources failed, they were obliged to leave their fam- 
ilies and go to a neighboring town, where provi- 
sions could be obtained. 

Squire Kellogg, when 80 years old, related some 
incidents of his new country life. At one time he 
went away to work for bread, leaving as he thought 
a sufiflcient supply until he should return. He 
toiled hard about three weeks, earned twenty or 
thirty bushels of grain, and took it to Shepard's 
mills to be ground, then hired a team to carry it a 
part of the way home, where it was left on the river 
road in safe keeping until he could return for it. 
It was becoming dark, and he started for home on 
foot, through the dense forest, five or six miles. 
He arrived home about twelve o'clock at night, and 
found that his family had eaten their last morsel. 
Expecting her husband with a supply that night, 
the mother had borrowed a half a pint of Indian 
meal to make porridge. The children went supper- 
less to bed; the mother awaiting anxiously the 
sound of her husband's footsteps, and remember- 



162 EARLY TIMES 

ing her promise to the children, that when their 
father returned they should be fed. What was her 
dismay when he arrived to find he had brought 
no supplies, and the weary father retraced his foot- 
steps over this dreary way at midnight to provide 
food for his perishing family. Through the woods 
and snow, amid the howling of wild beasts, he went 
and came alone. He arrived home about daylight. 
The mother was watching and waiting, ready to 
prepare nourishment for the family, of which they 
partook with cheerful gratitude and a hearty 
relish. 

The little church planted in Smithfleld was like 
an " apple tree among the trees of the woods," 
which continued to grow and bear fruit. Rev. 
Seth Williston was one of the first missionaries 
among them. 

About 1805 Nehemiah Tracy and family moved 
into the place, and gave much strength to the little 
church and community. There was soon a change 
in the appearance of the country. Stately trees 
bowed before these active woodmen, and in the 
openings here and there might be seen cheerful 
faces, domestic comforts, and abundance of wild 
fruit, together with any quantity of maple sugar, 
made by their own hands; and more than all, the 
family altar was erected in every humble dwelling. 
In 1812 they began to build a house of worship, 
which cost about three hundred dollars, and was 
accomplished by much effort. The lumber was 
drawn from the mills on the river, over a very 
rough road, and it was said that Nehemiah Tracy 
sold his last cow to buy nails and glass for the 



TROY AND ADJACENT TOWNS 163 

building. The house stood near the site of the pres- 
ent church. Rev. John Bascom was their first 
pastor; he married the sister of Mrs. Clement 
Paine. Mr. Bascom died in Lansing, N. Y., where 
he was preaching, many years ago. His son, John 
Bascom, is a professor in Williams College. Mrs. 
Bascom is now living at Ludlowville, N. Y., and is 
more than 80 years of age. Rev. William Franklin 
preached in Smithfield five or six years, and died 
there. Rev. C. C. Corss has been their pastor many 
years. 

The articles for the Congregational church of 
Smithfield were drawn up by the Rev. Lemuel 
Haines, a distinguished colored preacher, at the 
time of its formation in Poultney, before the mem- 
bers emigrated to this country. This certificate 
reads thus : 

" Samuel Kellogg, Esq., Solomon Morse, and 
Nathan Fellows, having manifested a desire to be 
dismissed from the particular watch and care of 
this church, and to unite in a distinct church, be- 
ing about to remove to Smithfield, Pennsylvania, 
County of Luzerne (Bradford). The church ac- 
cordingly voting their dismission; they took upon 
them the solemn covenant of the Church, chose 
Mr. Kellogg their moderator and clerk, and were 
commended to God by prayer. 

" The subscribers being present and assisting 
them in the solemn transaction. 

" Elijah Norton, 
" Lemuel Haines, 

" Ministers of the Gospel. 

" Poultney, Vt., February 11, 1801." 



164 EARLY TIMES 

Mr. Haines was pastor of the principal Congre- 
gational church in Poultney, and afterward in Rut- 
land, Vt., over which he presided many years, 
much respected and beloved for his good sense and 
Godliness. 

Rev. Dr. Sprague, of Albany, in his " Lives of 
eminent New England Divines," speaks thus of 
Mr. Haines: 

" Rev. Lemuel Haines was a minister of color, 
and the most eminent negro preacher ever known 
in this country. He was the pastor of intelligent 
churches. In spite of all he had to contend with, 
he became a man of mark, respected for his piety, 
talents and usefulness, and was admired for his 
keen and ready wit." 

A physician of loose principles in a contiguous 
town was about to remove to a distant part of the 
country. As he passed through Rutland, where 
Mr. Haines lived, they met. Mr. Haines said to 
him, " Doctor, I am owing you a small debt and 
want to pay you." The doctor said to him, " Mr. 
Haines, you have been a faithful preacher, and re- 
ceived but little support, I give you the debt," but 
continued, " you must pray for me and make a good 
man of me." Mr. Haines quickly replied, " Why, 
Doctor, I think it would be easier to pay the debt." 

Springfield, south of Smithfield, was named by 
settlers from Springfield, Mass. It was formerly 
called Murraysfield, for Noah Murray, whose de- 
scendants live in this region. He purchased a 
large tract of land adjoining Smithfield, and gave 
name to the town, and died there about 1812. 

Ridgeway lies on the northern boundary of the 



TROY AND ADJACENT TOWNS 165 

State, directly west of Athens, and is about the 
same size. Much of the land was originally cov- 
ered with pine timber, which has been converted 
into lumber, and sold at very small prices. There 
is now in the township a very respectable Irish 
settlement. Thirty or forty years ago some of the 
Irish laborers on the Erie canal were induced to 
buy lands in that place. Many of them went there 
and commenced clearing the woods. They were 
very prudent and industrious, and by dint of hard 
labor and severe economy, some of them have be- 
come quite extensive land owners. 

Litchfield township was surveyed about 1795. 
John Pierce, father of Jack Pierce, who was deaf 
and dumb, and well known hereabouts, gave the 
name to Litchfield, after the town of the same name 
in Connecticut. Thomus Park was the first set- 
tler, in 1795. Samuel Park was the first child born 
in the town. 

J. D. Leray de Chaumont, a Frenchman, was a 
Pennsylvania landholder, and owned a great part 
of Litchfield, and a considerable part of Athens, 
east of the Susquehanna. Colonel Kingsbury, who 
was his agent, was extensively known among the 
early settlers, and sold to the people in Athens 
their back lands at State prices — about three dol- 
lars per acre. 

Eleazer and Solomon Merrill came to Litchfield 
from a county of the same name in Connecticut, 
in 1803. They came for the purpose of locating 
bounty land due their father, Eleazer Merrill, who 
was a soldier in the War of the Revolution. They 
settled on an elevated spot in Litchfield, near the 



166 EARLY TIMES 

Susquehanna River, made an opening in the for- 
est, built a log cabin near a spring of choice water, 
and after a season of hard labor preparatory to 
bringing their families, they returned to Connecti- 
cut. It was a long and wearisome journey in those 
days, but they braved it through, and returned to 
their place of destination in Pennsylvania. They 
all ascended the mountain, the aged father and 
mother, sons and wives, and numerous children, 
and entered the humble dwelling that had been 
provided for them. Soon they branched out into 
other homes. 

Being provident, they brought with them sundry 
comforts, a variety of seeds for planting, even 
flower seeds, which literally made the wilderness 
to blossom as the rose ; and a little money for neces- 
saries, to serve them until their corn began to grow. 
They found the wild deer in abundance, and a va- 
riety of game and berries, affording them food and 
luxuries. The location has proved to be favorable 
to the families. Some of them are now said to be 
wealthy. 

Fifty years have made a great change in Litch- 
field. It is now settled by many prosperous far- 
mers and valuable inhabitants, with good schools 
and churches. Lands which were then sold for 
three dollars are now worth twenty-five dollars per 
acre, perhaps more. 



XXII 

FACTOEYVILLE AND WAVERLY 

Factoryville, in the town of Barton,* received 
its name from the mills that were erected there in 
the early part of the century. First a fulling mill, 
carding machines, and saw mill, by Messrs. Shep- 
ard and Crocker in 1809 ; then a factory by Messrs. 
Isaac and Job Shepard, afterwards bought and en- 
larged by Mr. A. Brooks. This was consumed by 
fire in 1853. A tannery is now in operation on the 
same ground. Another tannery just across the 
State line was established by Jerry Adams about 
fifty years ago, and is now owned by John A. 
Perkins. 

A survey of Factoryville was made in 1819, by 
Major Flower, from the State line to George 
Walker's. The Ithaca turnpike was made in 1821, 
and the Owego and Chemung road opened about 
the same time. 

A postoffice was established in 1812, first at the 

* The town of Barton was taken from Tioga, March, 1824, 
extending on the State line from the Susquehanna to the Tioga 
River. The names of the pioneers near the Susquehanna River 
were Ellis, Mills. Saunders and Hanna. The latter lived to be 
over one hundred years of age. The early settlers on Shepard's 
Creek were Hedges, Barnes, Newel, Lyon, Bingham and Eng- 
lish. Blackberries and maple sugar were abundant, and fur- 
nished partial sustenance to the inhabitants. These early set- 
tlers were principally from New England, and were among the 
most industrious and reliable people. The Ithaca turnpike, 
made in 1821, was a great advantage to them. 

167 



168 EARLY TIMES 

factory, and afterward removed to Mr. I. Shepard's 
store, on the Owego and Chemung road. 

The district was divided into large lots of land 
by John Shepard, Esq., and sold, reserving a num- 
ber of acres for the mill lot, to Thomas Willcox, 
Moses and Elisha Larnard. These lots were again 
divided into vill-age lots, which were sold, and neat 
and comfortable dwellings erected, and it is now a 
pleasant and thriving village. 

Mr. John Barker was a gentleman of intelli- 
gence and refinement, cheerful and agreeable. His 
society was much sought, and he was beloved and 
respected by all. He came from Durham, N. Y., 
in 1830, to settle the estate of his nephew, young 
Hotchkiss, a merchant who had established him- 
self at Factoryville a short time before, and died 
suddenly of a fever. 

Mr. Barker continued the business and became 
a citizen. He married a sister of Mrs. Isaac Shep- 
ard, and they were pleasantly situated in Factory- 
ville, when death removed the daughter, husband 
and son, in a few successive years. Mr. Barker 
died in New York City, 1855. 

John Hotchkiss, a younger brother of the early 
merchant, was a clerk for Mr. Barker many years. 
Industrious and enterprising, he went to Califor- 
nia, was successful in business, came home and was 
married, returned again, and died of yellow fever 
on his passage back to California, in 1853. 

Mrs. Larnard, who resided many years at Fac- 
toryville, is a lady in whom refinement of manners, 
good sense and devoted piety are happily com- 
bined, and is still living at an advanced age. 



FACTORYVILLE AND WAVERLY 169 

The first Presbyterian Church of Factoryville 
was formed in the spring of 1847, eighteen of its 
members receiving letters from the Church of 
Athens. The Methodist and Baptist Churches were 
formed there a little previously. The Episcopal 
Church was formed and house built about 1853. 
These churches are now all located in Waverly. 

Waverly is also in the town of Barton. In 1796 
Mr. John Shepard purchased of General Thomas, 
of Westchester County, N. Y., one thousand acres 
of land at five dollars per acre, extending along the 
State line from Shepard's Creek at Factoryville, 
near the 59th mile stone, to 60th mile stone ; thence 
across the north end of Spanish Hill to the Che- 
mung River, and from the Narrows across the 
mountain beyond Shepard's Creek; thence down 
to the State line again, embracing Waverly, Fac- 
toryville, and many fine localities back of these vil- 
lages, as has been already stated. 

This tract was an entire wilderness at this time, 
except the flats and a few openings near them 
where the red man had tilled his corn a few years 
previously, and it had made a charming home for 
the wild deer and many other inoffensive animals, 
which herded and grazed, and roamed through the 
forest, and drank from the waters of the rivers and 
the pure springs from the mountain. The venom- 
ous rattlesnake was sometimes seen in numbers, 
but these reptiles, like the savages, have disap- 
peared before the improvements of the white man. 

In 1819 Deacon Ephraim Strong bought one hun- 
dred and fifty-three and one-half acres of land on 
this tract, just across the State line, one hundred 



170 EARLY TIMES 

rods in width, about an equal distance between 
Sliepard's Creek and Chemung River, and extend- 
ing back to the mountain. 

Here Mr. Strong, with his numerous sons, made 
an opening in the pines, of several acres; planted 
corn and potatoes, sowed buckwheat, built a snug 
frame house, dug a well, and set out an orchard. 
Some of the trees are still standing on the lot now 
occupied hj Mr. Fuller. 

Here this godly, intelligent, and well educated 
household, the father a graduate of Yale College, 
and the mother a superior woman, lived several 
years. It was a privilege to call on this family 
and learn how to live and enjoy the comforts of a 
retired life, and look into their well read library, 
and hear this priest of his own family in the soli- 
tude of the forest offer the morning and evening 
sacrifice. Scott's Commentary was Mrs. Strong's 
principal reading, and in her obituary, many years 
after, it was said that she had read this work 
through seven times. The family removed to Hud- 
son, Ohio, where many of them have died. 

About 1825 Mr. Shepard paid Mr. Strong for 
his improvements and sold the land to General 
Welles. Shortly after November 1st, 1835, Mr. 
John Spalding, of Athens, bought the farm. 

One of the " old fields " adjoining this farm on 
the west extended from the locality where Mr. 
Waldo's drug store now is to the spot near where 
the depot stands, north of the State line, and is the 
ground on which the west part of Waverly is built. 
The other field was on the Pennsylvania side, where 
South Waverly stands. The old road from Mill- 



FACTORYVILLE AND WAVERLY 171 

town to Chemung formerly passed between the old 
fields. There is a tradition that the old fields were 
cultivated by the Aborigines, and they were some- 
times called the "Indian Fields." These fields 
were very familiar to the early settlers, and their 
animals were often pastured there from some 
distance. 

The public road * was opened from Barton to 
Chemung through these lands and the lands of 
Isaac and Job Shepard, and a gradual improve- 
ment made. In 1846 Mr. E. Brigham built a hotel 
where the Methodist Church now is, which he called 
the Waverly House. The street running south 
from there was opened soon after, which was called 
Waverly street. 

A few buildings had been erected in anticipation 
of a future village, and a Presbyterian Church was 
built in 1848. The lot was given to the congrega- 
tion by Mr. Owen Spalding. 

The Erie Railway now being constructed and 
fast approaching, the village began to grow rap- 
idly, and many dwellings and stores were in prog- 
ress, and in the fall of 1849 the railway reached 
this point. A depot was built, and soon the sound 
of the engine whistle and the rattling of cars an- 
nounced their arrival at the newly made village, 
animating and cheering the expectant inhabitants. 

The village was incorporated in 1854, and re- 

* The road originally did not run straight across, as Chemung 
street indicates, but from Barton to Factoryville, the tannery 
neighborhood — thence toward Chemung, forming an angle. Mr. 
Isaac Shepard, when a young man, rode horseback to Washing- 
ton to have a postoffice located there — and received the appoint- 
ment as postmaster February 12, 1823. 



172 EARLY TIMES 

ceived the name of Waverly. A few votes more 
would have given it the name of Loder. Since 
that time Waverly has had a very rapid growth. 
The business of the place has constantly increased, 
and now its busy streets, its churches, banks, print- 
ing offices and other mechanical establishments, its 
stores, and an institute of learning of high stand- 
ing, all give unmistakable evidence of thrift and 
prosperity. 

The early purchaser of this valuable tract of 
land once said, " It would not be surprising if at 
some future time you should see the spires of ten 
or a dozen churches between these rivers," and 
five or six are seen already in Waverly alone ; and 
in a little more than twenty years a village of 
more than 3,000 inhabitants has sprung up on this 
ground. 

Spanish Hill lies a little west of Waverly. It is 
disrobed of much of its foliage, and divested of its 
crowning beauty — the ancient and mysterious for- 
tifications on its summit. It lies principally in 
Athens, and has been described there. 

The Postofflce was established in Waverly in 
1849; the first great fire in March, 1855; Waverly 
Bank chartered 1855; Waverly Institute built 
1857; First National Bank chartered 1863. 



XXIII 

REMARKABLE EVENTS 

After the destruction, by a ' storm, of the large 
yellow pine trees of the last century, and the new 
trees had sprung up and were clothed with verdure, 
the locusts appeared in 1800 and devoured every 
green thing before them. At first a worm that 
worked itself out of the earth in vast numbers ap- 
peared. The ground was alive with them. A shell 
next formed, which after a little time opened on 
the back and the locust came out with wings and 
legs, resembling the grasshopper, but much larger. 
They soon flew to the trees and bushes in multi- 
tudes, and devoured the foliage. They passed off 
the same season, but came again in 1814, which 
many now living very well remember. The sing- 
ing of the locusts in the pine plains above the vil- 
lage of Athens made it diflftcult to hear conversation 
by the way. They nearly all left the same season. 
American locusts are said to resemble those of the 
eastern hemisphere, but are not so large. 

The total eclipse of 1806 is remembered by many 
now living as a grand and sublime scene, a recur- 
rence of which is not expected in this longitude dur- 
ing the present generation. The late eclipse of 
August 7th, 1869, approached nearer to it than any 
other we have witnessed, and a few degrees west of 
us the sun's disk was entirely obscured. 

A grand celestial phenomenon, a meteoric 

173 



174 EARLY TIMES 

shower, was exhibited in the heavens on Thursday 
morning, the 13th of November, 1833, between the 
hours of two and five o'clock, and was witnessed 
by many people in this part of the country, and 
in this village, as well as through the country gen- 
erally. Those who were fortunate enough to be 
up at that hour in the morning spoke of it as bril- 
liant beyond description. It is a phenomenon that 
is fully substantiated by astronomers as occurring 
periodically, though not always visible to the same 
extent, in the same place. Some suppose there is 
a region in the space through which the earth 
passes in its orbit, where such meteoric scenes con- 
tinually prevail, and more or less may be seen 
every year in November, about the 12th or 13th. 
The newspapers throughout the land contained 
notices of it under the caption, " Remarkable Phe- 
nomenon," " Extraordinary Phenomenon," " Fall- 
ing Stars." One writer remarked, " The shooting 
stars were harmless, and as a general thing van- 
ished before they reached the earth." 

Another remarkable scene was witnessed in 1838, 
an annular eclipse of the sun, as predicted by 
astronomers, when a most beautiful luminous ring 
was seen in the heavens while the moon appeared 
on the center of the sun's disk. 

These unusual events strike us with wonder, 
while the ordinary exhibitions of the heavenly 
bodies make but little impression. 

" The glorious Architect, 
This, His universal temple, hung 
With lustres, with innumerable lights — 
Let not man withhold his homage." 



XXIV 

IMPROVEMENTS 

When our fathers first came to Tioga Point there 
were no roads for the white man. An Indian trail, 
following the river banks, was the only opening 
through the thick pines. These paths, with the 
river itself, had afforded the only facilities for trav- 
eling. They were used only by footmen, the river 
was navigated by means of the " light canoe." 
With a little improvement these Indian roads were 
used by the white people for many years. When 
the first survey of this town was made a road was 
laid out nearly in its present course from Athens 
to Milltown. The most direct route for the traveler, 
or the mail from Owego to Newtown, was by the 
way of Tioga Point, until about 1821, when a road 
was opened from the Susquehanna, via Factory- 
ville, to the Chemung river, thereby leaving Tioga 
Point out of the accustomed route of travel, con- 
siderably to its disadvantage. A private road had 
been opened from Milltown through the thick pines 
to Chemung, which was also much used by trav- 
elers, and afterwards became a public road. The 
circuit from Tioga Point to Milltown, thence across 
to the Chemung, and down the river to the village 
again, affords a very pleasant ride. A few gay 
young men of former times once tried it on a Sun- 

175 



176 EARLY TIMES 

day in a lumber sleigh filled witli straw. They 
scattered the straw as they rode along in their 
merriment, and thus the route obtained the name 
of " the straw line," by which it has been called 
ever since. It is said that complaint was entered 
against them, and they suffered the penalty for the 
violation of law. 

Modes of traveling and conveyance were very 
different in former times from the present. Canals, 
railroads, steamboats, and even stage coaches, 
were unknown at the beginning of this century. 
It was common to see the footman traveling with 
his knapsack on his back. Riding on horseback 
was the common mode of conveyance from place to 
place, and even of making long journeys. Some- 
times a gentleman and lady, or a father and mother 
with two children, might be seen pursuing their 
way in this style.* Another very safe method of 
traveling was by means of oxen attached to a cart 
or sled, and often whole families were conveyed 
in this way to a social gathering, or to the place 
of worship. Long trains of emigrants thus pur- 
sued their way to Allegheny or Ohio. As the coun- 
try improved a chaise or gig was occasionally seen, 
and in due time, wagons, stages, and coaches were 
introduced. 

Parties to a hymeneal engagement might some- 
times be seen wending their way on horseback to 
the house of the minister or magistrate. My father 

* It is related that " a bridal party from Catharinestown, on 
Seneca lake, visited Tioga Point, in 1793, on horseback, to find 
the nearest justice authorized to perform the ceremony." The 
magistrate was probably Noah Murray, Esq., father of the late 
Noah Murray, well known in Athens. 



IMPROVEMENTS 177 

being a magistrate, wedding ceremonies were often 
performed at his house. The parties generally came 
without attendants, and frequently both riding one 
horse. One cold and blustering December day, 
when the doors were closed and the family gath- 
ered around a large fire, a sprightly young man 
with his espoused helpmeet alighted at the door 
and inquired for Squire Shepard. The object was 
soon disclosed to the Squire, and readily under- 
stood by the family, when every other engagement 
yielded to the occasion in hand. The nuptials were 
soon solemnized, and the groom and bride were 
ready for their departure. A white dress and thin 
shawl were the only protection of the lady from 
the inclemency of the weather, and as she stood 
upon the horseblock awaiting the movements of 
her spouse, with the wind whistling through her 
garments, she exclaimed, " Why, Philander, I shall 
freeze." " Oh, no," said he in blandest tones, " that 
would not be consistent," and soon they rode rap- 
idly away with colors flying. Squire Shepard 
never required a fee for performing a marriage 
ceremony. Moreover it was his practice to present 
the bride with a Bible, desiring her to make it the 
guide of her life. 

Athens, or Tioga Point, was formerly noted for 
the number of its distilleries, there having been at 
one time not less than six or seven in operation at 
once. The first one of the last century was built 
of logs on the back part of the lot where we now 
live. The well for the distillery, and now in use, 
was dug by Daniel Moore, a Hessian, who remained 
in the country after the close of the Revolutionary 



178 EARLY TIMES 

war. The well was in a dilapidated condition, 
and remains of the pump that had been used were 
still in it when we came into possession of the lot. 
The distillery was carried on for many years by 
Daniel Alexander, and was then a lucrative busi- 
ness and considered reputable. The degraded 
whites and Indians who still remained in the coun- 
try w^ere there supplied with whiskey. Another in 
the north part of the village succeeded this, on an 
improved plan, having a windmill connected with 
it for grinding the grain. There was another at 
Milltown, and another still at Chemung Narrows. 
As these began to run down, three or four more 
were started on the west side of the Chemung river, 
and two on the east side of the Susquehanna river, 
all in this town, and were in full operation many 
years, when the temperance movement seemed to 
affect them unfavorably, and they tottered and 
fell. The whiskey now used at Athens is altogether 
supplied from other places, none being manufac- 
tured in the place or vicinity. 

The effect of the failure of these distilleries has 
been a decided improvement in the cause of tem- 
perance, and we may expect that when foreign 
supplies cease temperance will triumph. 

A most striking instance of the effects of intem- 
perance was the case of Moses Roberts, a graduate 
of Yale College, He came to this country about 
the close of the last century, and bought a farm 
in Athens, became an inebriate, and sank step by 
step to a stupid sot. He married an imbecile 
woman, became demented himself, his farm was 
sold, his children bound out, and for many years 



IMPROVEMENTS 179 

he made splint brooms for a living. He died near 
a distillery, and was buried as a town pauper in 
1824. 

The Pennsylvania canal was surveyed through 
this part of the State by Mr. Randall, Chief Engi- 
neer, about the year 1830, and went into operation 
in 1854. Much of the lumber and other property 
that was formerly run on the river, now finds a 
surer and safer conveyance by the canal. Large 
quantities of coal from our mining regions are 
transported by the canal to market in the northern 
part of the State, and in the State of New York. 

The Pennsylvania and New York railroad was 
surveyed in the summer of 1866. The first train 
entered the village from Towanda, November 26th, 
1867. Regular trips on the road, from New York, 
were conimenced September 20th, 1869, thus facili- 
tating travel along the river, and affording to the 
passenger a marked contrast to the previous mode, 
over a very hilly and winding road. We can now 
sit by our fireside and hear the whistle and rattle 
of the Erie trains, and can see trains on the North 
Pennsylvania railroad, many times in a day, as 
they pass along with whistle and echo. These 
with the foundry and tannery, make a combina- 
tion of sounds evincing substantial and cheering 
improvement. 

A bridge over the Chemung river was built in 
1820, and rebuilt in 1836. Another, and much 
longer and more expensive one over the Susque- 
hanna, was built in the year 1841. A bridge over 
the Chemung, at " Tozer's," was built about the 
same time. 



180 EARLY TIMES 

These bridges take the place of the ferries of for- 
mer times, which were often difficult and some- 
times dangerous to pass. 

In 1844 it was announced in the public prints 
that Professor Morse had discovered a plan, by 
the aid of electricity, to send messages from place 
to place, with a speed exceeding anything before 
known. He applied to Congress for aid to make 
trial of his invention, on a line between Baltimore 
and Washington city, which was granted him. It 
was soon put in operaton. Now the novelty is 
passed, and we with other towns can readily avail 
ourselves of telegraphic facilities. 



XXV 

THE DEER HUNT OF 1818 

" Up men ! arouse for the chase ! 
The wild buck is quitting his lair, 
The hills are gilded with light, 
And there's health in the balmy air." 

When the New York and Pennsylvania boys en- 
gaged in a grand deer hunt in this beautiful valley, 
in the fall of 1818, it was a gala day, such as they 
seldom enjoyed. The necessary plans and arrange- 
ments had all been matured. Fires had been lighted 
on the North Mountains the previous night, and 
the hounds sent out early to drive the deer down to 
the plains. Marshals for the day had been chosen 
to lead their respective bands. The appointed day 
anxiously looked for arrived, when about two hun- 
dred men, armed with guns and rifles, sallied forth 
from their homes in the early morning to engage in 
the exciting sport. A circle of men, several miles 
in extent, was to be formed on the broad plains 
between the Susquehanna and Chemung rivers, ex- 
tending beyond the hills on the north, and to the 
southern limit of the pine woods towards the south. 
They were to move in uniform time and regular 
order, toward one common center, driving before 
them the deer that traversed the plains and hills, 
and were thus surrounded by the hunters, or 
hemmed in by the rivers. Many have doubtless 
been the joyous and frolicsome days of the sons of 

181 



182 EARLY TIMES 

the forest, when with their simple bow and arrow 
they sallied forth in numbers, and traversed the 
same ground for the same object. The Indian and 
his game have long since passed away from these 
scenes, before the resistless march of civilization, 
and they must now be sought toward the " set- 
ting sun." 

But to the hunt. The marshals of the day, at 
the head of their respective commands, and clothed 
with due authority for the occasion, mounted their 
steeds and rode forth at early dawn, each having 
under command about one hundred men. Mr. Elias 
Mathewson, leading the Pennsylvanians, posted 
his men along the borders of the pine forest be- 
low the Mile Hill, extending his line from river 
to river, about two miles above the junction of the 
two streams. 

The line of the New York men was stretched 
from the Chemung river, near Buckville, across 
the hills to Shepard's creek, on the north, all being 
at their posts, and in due order and readiness. At 
the appointed time the march commenced. Highly 
excited, the men on both sides pressed forward, 
eager for the game, watching every hillock and 
glen, and scouring every thicket that might serve 
as a hiding place for the deer. Often a lusty buck 
was started from his retreat. Here and there 
through the forest the timid doe and fawn might 
be seen darting away from their pursuers, who, still 
urging them forward from every quarter, were 
driving and pressing them toward the place of ren- 
dezvous, a point not far from the center of the pres- 
ent village of Waverly. Occasionally an animal 



THE DEER HUNT OF 1818 183 

more fortunate than the rest would break through 
the ring, and make his escape, but this only added 
to the excitement and eagerness of the hunters. 
The men were not to shoot any of the game until 
orders were given. But now the lines close in as 
they approach the rendezvous from every side. 
Quite a number of deer are discovered to be within 
the ring — excitement is at its height, and orders 
are given to fire. The woods ring with the report 
of the musket and the crack of the rifle. Many a 
noble buck is brought down. Some of them stand 
at bay for a while, but all in vain ; while the cring- 
ing doe and helpless fawn become an easy prey 
to the pitiless foe, who give no quarter at such a 
time. As they approached the center of the ring 
(said to be near where the Waverly foundry now 
stands), the excitement increased to rashness and 
recklessness. In their great anxiety to secure the 
whole of the game, the hunters shot in every 
direction. 

" In the heat of excitement men do not stop to 
consider," and suddenly it was announced that a 
man was wounded. This arrested the attention of 
all for a time, such an interlude not having been 
in the programme. The marshal ordered a cessa- 
tion of firing, and the eager inquiry " who is it? " 
went round the circle. The unfortunate hunter 
thought himself desperately, if not fatally, wounded, 
and the woods resounded with his piteous cries. 
Great was the consternation, and deep the sym- 
pathy among his friends and neighbors. The sur- 
geon examined the wound with great caution, and 
not a little of anxiety. As he removed the garments, 



184 EARLi^ TIMES 

anxious friends were relieved upon ascertaining 
that it was not a serious wound; indeed it proved 
to be rather a slight one, from which the man soon 
recovered. " Big Decker " also narrowly escaped 
being shot, a ball having struck a tree ^where he 
was standing, about six inches over his head. His 
ire being a little aroused, he asked to borrow a 
gun, having none of his own, to return the fire. 
But better counsels prevailed, and all was calm 
again. The business of the day had not yet come 
to an end. There were about thirty slaughtered 
animals to be cared for still, skinned, dressed and 
divided among the men, that each might have his 
share of the spoils and results of the day. This 
was the drudgery of the hour, but skilled hands ap- 
plied themselves to the work with a will, and it was 
soon accomplished. Distribution was then made 
of a part, the remainder sold at vendue, and the 
men dispersed to their several homes, glad to rest, 
and with the coming of the night all was quiet and 
still. 

Such were among the sports and recreations of 
the dwellers in this valley half a century ago. 
Those who remain among us still, delight to re- 
count the feats of skill and daring performed by 
them in their youth and early manhood in the va- 
rious methods of hunting the deer, both by day 
and by night. Some of their encounters with the 
deer were not without considerable peril, though 
for the most part, hunting was regarded only as 
a pastime. 

At an early day, and for some time subsequent 
to the first settlement of the country, the deer were 



THE DEER HUNT OF 1818 185 

quite numerous. Often might they be seen bound- 
ing along their path, or turning to gaze at the 
passing traveler. We have seen a little solitary 
fawn pursued by the dogs almost to our very door, 
and have often watched them grazing on the fields 
of green wheat not far from our home, and could 
scarcely begrudge them their delicious repast. 
Hunting the deer was quite a business with a cer- 
tain class, and their skins were among the articles 
of trade with the merchant. Venison was a very 
important article of sustenance, and when corned 
or jerked could be kept any length of time. The 
game from the forests and the fish from the rivers 
afforded the aborigines almost indispensable means 
of subsistence. 



XXVI 

SOLDIERS 

At the time of the Declaration of Independence, 
in 1776, the soil of Athens had scarcely been trod 
by the white man. Traders had occasionally passed 
through the valley, and it is said that a partial 
survey of the township was made as early as 1777, 
by John Jenkins, the noted and fearless surveyor 
of the Susquehanna Company. But soon after that 
time the tories assembled here and at Chemung 
in great numbers, and planned their fiendish de- 
signs against Wyoming. 

Several companies had been raised for the Con- 
tinental service from the lower part of the valley 
much to the disadvantage of the inhabitants, leav- 
ing them unprotected from British and savage 
ferocity combined, which overwhelmed them in 
1778. 

Many of the old soldiers, after the close of the 
war, removed from Wyoming up the river, and 
quite a number located in and about this place, 
then called Tioga Point. We remember some of 
the aged veterans, and should like to record the 
names of them all if they could be obtained. Sev- 
eral soldiers and some prominent officers settled 
at Sheshequin. Many of them lie in our burying 
places. Colonel Franklin and Major Flower were 
buried on their farms across the river. 

186 



SOLDIERS 187 

It was a custom with the merchants of the place 
to collect from the government the pensions of these 
aged soldiers, making advances to them in goods, 
provisions, etc., and when they assembled annually 
for a settlement, and to greet each other, to give 
them an entertainment at the hotel. On such occa- 
sions they sometimes assembled at the place of pub- 
lic worship to hear an appropriate discourse. There 
was an agreement between two of these veterans, 
Archy Temple and Solomon Talliday, that when 
the first died the survivor should fire a volley over 
his grave, which was fulfilled to the letter. 

Military customs were kept up by our people 
from the earliest settlement. Regular seasons for 
drilling were observed, and at the time appointed 
for general training the various companies col- 
lected on parade, with martial music to enliven the 
scene. "A light horse company," so-called, with 
uniform of blue and red, with flowing sashes and 
nodding plumes, made a specially fine appearance 
on their noble steeds. When called upon, in 1812, 
to resist British aggression again, they were some- 
what prepared for the conflict. Several volunteer 
companies went from this region to the Canada 
lines, the seat of war. 

Captain Julius Tozer, with three of his sons, 
Julius, Samuel, and Guy, were among the number ; 
together with Elishama Tozer, Daniel Satterlee, 
John Brown, William Drown, Samuel Baldwin, 
several of the name of Wilson, four named Ellis, 
and several from neighboring towns; all attached 
to the regiment of Colonel Dobbins. The effect 
of this war was not felt so much in this part of 



188 EARLY TIMES 

the country as in many other places, except by the 
soldiers themselves, and its influence upon prices, 
which were marvelously high. When it was an- 
nounced in the newspapers, in December, 1815, 
that peace had been proclaimed, and confirmed by 
the arrival of Coonrod Teter, the driver and pro- 
prietor of the weekly stage, with his white flag 
flying, it was a time of great rejoicing, and Athens 
was brightly illuminated at night, and the merry 
sleigh bells were sounding in the street till a late 
hour of that cold December night. 

The nation was less prepared for war in 1861. 
There had been a long period of uninterrupted 
peace. The militia system was in bad repute gen- 
erally. In this place, and in many parts of our 
country, it had been treated with ridicule and con- 
tempt. It had come to be considered so incompat- 
ible with the genius of our civil institutions that 
militia drills and parades were no longer wit- 
nessed. The feeling of security was such that mili- 
tary matters were very unpopular, and all atten- 
tion to them considered an unnecessary expense of 
time and money. The present generation had not 
heard the sound of war or battle. We were at peace 
among ourselves and with other nations, and when 
the attack was made upon Fort Sumter, in April, 
1861, and the proclamation of the President was 
issued, calling for 75,000 men, to hasten to Wash- 
ington, for the defense of the Capital and the gov- 
ernment, we were but poorly prepared to meet the 
emergency. Men of peaceable and quiet habits of 
life, aroused by the necessities of the case, began to 
ask what they could do for their country, and boys, 



SOLDIERS 189 

too, whose inquiring minds liad led them to ex- 
amine military books, were inspired with a martial 
spirit, and offered themselves willingly in response 
to the call. They left their peaceful homes and 
joined the army, where they found themselves sub- 
jected to many discomforts and deprivations, but 
they were not forgotten by friends who remained 
at home. From the commencement of the war, 
many supplies were sent from time to time by the 
ladies of Athens to their sons and brothers, of 
which no a'ccount was kept. But on the 30th of 
May, 1864, the ladies met at the basement of the 
Episcopal church for the purpose of forming a 
society to aid the Christian Commission. After 
the election of officers, it was resolved to divide the 
town into districts, and appoint a committee of six- 
teen to solicit contributions monthly to the Ladies^ 
Aid Society, auxiliary to the American Christian 
Commission, for the relief and benefit of the sol- 
diers. The society went into successful operation, 
and the object was faithfully followed up until 
the close of the war. The money raised that year 
by this society amounted to |638, besides thirty- 
three boxes sent by the society and individuals. The 
bounty money for soldiers raised by taxation in the 
borough of Athens amounted to |15,100, and be- 
sides these sums, other contributions were made 
by the people for the benefit of the soldiers; thus 
showing their sympathy for the cause of their com- 
mon country. 

The firing on Fort Sumter and the President's 
proclamation calling to arms were in April. The 
first company was raised at Athens in May, and 



190 EARLY TIMES 

reported at Harrisburg, commanded by Captain 
William Bradbury, Company F, Sixth Regiment 
Pennsylvania Reserves. The following is a list of 
the men belonging to Captain Bradbury's com- 
pany : Captain, Wm. Bradbury ; 1st Lieutenant, L. 
D. Forrest; 2d Lieutenant, W. A. Meeker. Ser- 
geants — 1st, William S. Briggs; 2d, Horace W. 
Perkins ; 3d, G. F. Kinney ; 4th, Myron Low ; * 5th, 
Marshall O. Hicks. Corporals — 1st, O. D. Lyons; 
2d, George Perkins Rogers ; f 3d, George L. Gard- 
ner; 4th, Silas J. Fritcher; 5th, Samuel S. Baker; 
6th, Jeremiah French ; 7th, John W. Schouten ; 8th, 
William Langford.f Privates — Orlando Benson,t 
Patrick Burk,$ Jason F. Bloodgood, William 
Boughton, Eben Brown, Edward Brigham, En- 
bulus Brigham, Thomas Barney,^ Charles E. 
Brown, Franklin M. Cole, Samuel W. Cole, John 
P. Coleman, F. D. Campbell, Nathaniel Campbell, 
W. M. Chapman, Stejphen Crayon, William Crayon, 
James Cooper, Benjamin M. Clark, Aaron Daily, 
James E. Demarest, Elijah DeCroff, Cornelius 
Driscoll, Dennis Drummy, Malcolm H. Droyce,t 
Walter Farnsworth, Charley F. Fuller, John F. 
Flinn,t Orison Forest, Lorin W. Forest, William 
Foran, Joseph French, S. G. French, Bennett 
French, Truman E. French, Owen Finlan, Alfred 
H. Forest, James R. Fox, Gordon Wellington,* 
Julius M. Hughes, 1 1 Michael Heavener, Sevellan 
Hicks, James E. Hall, Isaac Jones, Richard King, 
Horace Keeler, John Keyser, Orrin D. S. Kinney, 
C. S. Kinney, Fleming T. Lent, William Murray, 

* Killed at Antietam. • t Killed at Fredericksburg. 

t Promoted to Sergeant. 1 1 Killed at Bull Run. 



SOLDIERS 191 

Jolm Munn, Tilden Munn, C. B. McNannon, 
Charles Merritt, Michael Moughan, Alfred D. C. 
Miller, D. T. McKean, William Nolte, Vincent 
Odell, A. J. Oret, John C. Pierce, Jacob E. Phelps, 
George M. Page, Isaac A. Rice, Murray M. Rogers, 
Mason E. Rogers,* Francis M. Sherman, George 
W. Spalding, John M. Schrymer, James Struble, 
Horace Struble, Aaron Stone, Daniel Smith, Wil- 
liam Tanner, Perry C. Taylor, William N. Wald- 
ron, D. C. Wright, Francis E. Wheaton,* James H. 
Wilson, William Walker, Hezekiah Wallace. Mu- 
sicians — Dighton Phelps, William H. Lawrence, 
Harry Smith, 

Company H, 57th Regiment Pennsylvania Vol- 
unteers, commanded by Captain John Griffin, was 
the second company raised at Athens. This was 
in the fall of 1861. The following is a list of officers 
and men at its muster November 25th, 1861 : 

Captain, John Griffin; 1st Lieutenant, Daniel 
Miner; 2d Lieutenant, Richard Sinsabaugh; 1st 
Sergeant, Joseph Brady; Musician, S. Gibson 
Shaw; Wagoner, Samuel Marshall. Privates — 
Mortimer Anthony, Joseph Armstrong, Henry 
Armstrong, John Burnside, James Brady, James 
Childs, Joseph Clark, Charles Chandler, John M. 
Chandler, Joseph Clark, George Conrad, Willard 
Conrad, William Conrad, Francis Conrad, William 
Drake, Ward Eastabrooks, Lyman Forest, Henry 
Forbes, Almon Gillett, D. Webster Gore, Samuel 
W. Gore, Eli F. Hudson, Abram Miller, Milo Mil- 
ler, Solomon Miller, Amos Miller, Orrin O. Mer- 
rill, Charles W. Murray, John E. Moore, John 
O'Conner, Henry Owens, John C. Parkes, Elmer 
* Killed at Antietam. 



192 EARLY TIMES 

Phelps, Alvin R. Phalon, William Phinney, Han- 
ford Robinson, Alpheus Sinsabaugh, Victor Ste- 
phens, Orange Shores, Bemer Smith, William 
Smith, Emery Stickles, Joseph Tripp, Harrison 
Van Vechten, Levi Anson, Lafayette Anson, Daniel 
Keeler, William Strickland, Russel Sisson, Ed- 
ward S. Perkins, Henry Williams, Charles Wil- 
liams, Oscar Shores, Robert Edmiston, Erastus 
Green, Hugh Farley, L. Orville Snell, Ezra Spald- 
ing, Thomas Dunglass, Allen Chandler, Harrison 
S. Munn, O. D. Roberts, John H. Rowe, Nathan 
Gordon, William Wright, John M. Rolfe, Adelbert 
Hart, Patrick Doherty, Pison Ellis, Merrill Mc- 
Allister, Harrison C. Perkins, John M. Chamber- 
lain, Thomas M. Guemsay, Joseph B. Evans, John 
Griffin, James A. Shores, George M. Burns, Samuel 
Laton, M. D. Mills, George W. Perkins,* Lewis F. 
Roe, Franklin Shaw, James Wheaton, William 
Crans, William Decker, James L. Murty, Charles 
W. Hepburn. 

The third company, commanded by Captain J. 
B. Reeve, was raised in connection with an effort 
made at Springfield, in this county, to raise a com- 
pany. The volunteers of both places were con- 
solidated and formed one company in August, 
1862, Company E, 141st Regiment Pennsylvania 
Volunteers. 

The following is a list of the men belonging to 
Captain Reeve's company: Captain, Joseph B. 
Reeve ; 1st Lieutenant, J. F. Clark ; 2d Lieutenant, 
G. C. Page; Sergeants — Stephen Evans, Tracy S. 
Knapp, Mason Long, William S. Wright, William 
Garner. Corporals — Orlando E. Loomis, James 

* Promoted to Colonel. 



SOLDIERS 193 

W. Clark, Alonzo D. Beach, Charles M. Neal,* 
William R. Campbell, C. T. Hull, R. Clafflin.f 
Musicians — W. H. Powers, B. Munn. Privates — 
H. D. Kinney, Calvin Alexander, James M. Beach, 
E. W. Baker, Eli R. Booth, Lyman Dunn, Daniel 
Daines, Melvin Douglass, Aaron Eddy, George 
Frederick, Wm. Frederick, Abram Frederick, John 
Frederick, Michael Finney, Truman Galusha, 
Thomas N. Gilmore, Franklin Granger, Isaac Gil- 
let, John Henry, George Huff, John Huff, Andrew 
Huff, Lorenzo D. Hill, Matthew Howie, Daniel 
Hiney, Horace Howe, Russel Hadlock, James H. 
Harris, George Johnson, E. M. Jackson, John M. 
Jackson, Charles A. Knapp,* Jas. Lawrence, Alex- 
ander Lane, 2d, Isaac C. Lane, William E. Loring, 
E. P. Lenox, George W. Lord, John Mustart, John 
Miller, Alanson Miller, Elias H. Merithew, Wil- 
liam Miller, James K. Martin, Robert McKinney, 
Franklin Nickerson, Riley Pruyne, Martin B. 
Phelps, W. D. Powers, Charles H. Packard, George 
Powers, Edward Price, Levi B. Rogers, George 
Rogers, Adson B. Stone, William Smith, Orrin D. 
Snyder, John P. Snyder, John Sanster, Charles 
G. Sawyer, Charles Tibbetts, Evarts Wandall, 
W. W. Wilson, Dealmond Watkins, Albert Wat- 
kins. 

Many other volunteers went from this place and 
enlisted in the State of New York and other places. 
Among the number were Henry W. and Augustus 
S. Perkins, brothers, both of whom joined the 50th 
New York Engineer Regiment as Lieutenants. 
Both were promoted to Captaincies. The former 
was soon appointed aide to General Butterfield, 
* Killed at Chacellorsville. f Killed at Gettysburg. 



194 EARLY TIMES 

with additional rank, and served with high credit 
for capacity and bravery to the close of the war, 
and was honorably discharged with the rank of 
Brigadier-General. Augustus was killed at the 
battle of Fredericksburg, in December, 1862, 
deeply lamented by his companions in arms and by 
all who knew him. 



XXVII 

FLOODS 
SUSQUEHANNA AND CHEMUNG RIVERS 

These beautiful streams, one on each side of Ath- 
ens village, usually flow very quietly by, adding 
much to the beauty of the landscapes, viewed from 
the neighboring hilltops. There is in them a suc- 
cession of rapids and pools, but no dead water, and 
no unhealthy marshes along the shores. A writer 
remarks : " That if there be a more beautiful river 
on the continent we have not seen it. Prom its 
source in Otsego Lake, to its union with the Chesa- 
peake, every mile of the Susquehanna is beauti- 
ful. Other rivers have their points of loveliness 
or of grandeur. The Susquehanna has every form 
of beauty and sublimity." A missionary lady in 
Oriental Turkey, formerly of this place, writes to 
an invalid friend, living on the banks of this river : 
" I should love to sit with you at your window, to 
hear the voice of the Susquehanna once more. I 
love that river greatly." The acknowledged health- 
fulness of this part of the country is attributed in 
part, at least, to the constant and regular flow of 
these pure streams. 

But these rivers, though so universally admired 
by strangers, as well as by those who dwell upon 
their banks, do not always present the same attrac- 
tive appearance. There are other features at times 

195 



196 EARLY TIMES 

that are quite the reverse. The melting of the 
snows and the warm spring rains always swell the 
streams, sometimes causing a general overflow of 
the banks, often sweeping away the fences and 
carrying off trees, the growth of ages, the islands 
and low grounds being almost literally covered 
with drift wood. At such times, not only trees 
and fences, but lumber, and parts of bridges, and 
of buildings, may be seen floating over the surface, 
in indiscriminate confusion. 

ICE FRESHET 

In the spring of 1784 the inhabitants all through 
the valley suffered greatly from the sudden break- 
ing up of the ice in the rivers. It had been an in- 
tensely cold season, with great quantities of snow. 
There came an interval of a few days of uncom- 
monly warm weather, which melted the snow in a 
measure. This was succeeded by severe cold 
weather, making vast quantities of ice. Warm 
weather returned again and the waters began to 
flow. The dams of ice that were formed obstructed 
the waters, and they sought other than the wonted 
channels, sometimes overwhelming retired farms, 
and fllling the dwellings with water, followed by 
the crash of the moving bodies of ice hurried on by 
the raging waters, destroying everything before it. 
The suffering of the inhabitants, in the lower part 
of the valley, from this freshet, was very great. 

PUMPKIN FLOOD 

In the fall of 1786, when the crops of corn and 
pumpkins were still on the ground, continuous 



FLOODS 197 

rains produced a freshet which has seldom been 
equaled. The crops were swept away, and the 
bosom of the river was covered with floating pump- 
kins. The loss was severely felt, and many cattle 
died the succeeding winter for want of sustenance. 
Old people for many years past have spoken of 
these freshets, the latter being distinguished as the 
" pumpkin flood." 

THE GREAT FLOOD 

But a still greater and more destructive flood, 
and such as was literally beyond the memory of 
the " oldest inhabitant," occurred in the month of 
March, 1865. There was a much heavier body of 
snow on the ground than usual. The weather be- 
came suddenly warm. The snow was in a state of 
fusion, when a warm rain fell, and the w^hole came 
rushing down the hillsides, filling the creeks, and 
altogether pouring an unprecedented quantity of 
water into the rivers, suddenly swelling them, not 
only bank full, but to overflowing; and almost cov- 
ering the valley from mountain to mountain, and 
intercepting communication with either side of the 
rivers. The village seemed to be almost sinking in 
the flood. The water found its way into nearly 
every cellar, and many of them were filled. The 
foundations of several dwellings were undermined, 
and fell. On the flats valuable animals were 
brought into the houses to prevent their being car- 
ried down the stream, and many sheep were 
drowned. One store in the village took flre in con- 
sequence of the water coming in contact with lime 
in the cellar. The upper part of the village was 



198 EARLY TIMES 

almost entirely inundated. Many left their houses 
for shelter elsewhere, and many boats were in 
requisition, to go from one locality to another. 
The waters of the Chemung and Susquehanna met 
just below the mile hill, also near the Presbyterian 
Church, and at the foot of the hill, in the lower 
part of the village, near the residence of the late 
Judge Williston, thus making several islands of 
this village. A view from Spanish Hill, said a 
spectator, made the whole appear like a great lake 
dotted with numerous islands. The water was ris- 
ing for several days, but attained its greatest height 
on Thursday night, the 16th of March. The citi- 
zens were sitting up watching the movement of the 
water. It continued to rise until eleven o'clock. 
It then ceased, when, with thankful hearts, relieved 
of anxiety, the people retired to their beds. The 
next morning the water w^as found to have fallen 
several feet, and many were going about viewing 
the devastation that had been made. 

Great losses have sometimes been sustained by 
lumbermen on these rivers, by unexpected freshets. 
Often have their hopes been blasted by the sudden 
loss of property, the product of many a day of 
care and toil, and in some instances all that a man 
possessed has been swept away in a few short 
hours. But the business of lumbering has often 
been pleasant and profitable. Most families who 
have resided here long can call to mind the excit- 
ing times of rafting, when pork and beans and 
bread by the quantity, with ham and eggs, and 
sundry other luxuries, were in requisition as an 
outfit for the arks and rafts about to fioat " down 



FLOODS 199 

the river." But all this labor was repaid when it 
was announced that they had found a good market, 
and that the adventurers were likely to meet the 
reward of their labors. 

It has been remarked as a peculiarity of the Sus- 
quehanna, or Crooked river, that nearly all along 
its course it is receiving tributaries almost as large 
as itself. It may be added that notwithstanding 
the much dreaded inundations of spring, with all 
their disastrous effects, the most of the season the 
Susquehanna rolls along in majestic calmness, and 
in midsummer is so low that it is forded in many 
places. 

Some attempts have been made to navigate the 
river by steam. Two neat little steamboats, the 
Codorus and the Susquehanna, were launched 
upon its waters in 1826, and made several trips 
up and down, much to the gratification of the in- 
habitants dwelling upon its banks, and the time 
was anticipated when a regular line of boats might 
ply upon the river, transporting both freight and 
passengers. But the want of sufficient water in 
the low stage of the river soon proved it to be im- 
practicable, and after the disastrous explosion of 
the boiler of the Codorus, and the loss of several 
valuable lives thereby, the enterprise was aban- 
doned. 



XXVIII 

THE CHURCH 

Less than a hundred years ago, the region of coun- 
try which we inhabit was heathen ground. The 
Indians, driven away by Sullivan's army in 1X79, 
were, according to David Brainard and others, 
" gross idolaters." At Shamokin they had an idol 
that Brainard styled " horrible." Before his con- 
version Shickelemy, a noted chief, wore an idola- 
trous image around his neck. At Queen Esther's 
plantation, an of&cer of Sullivan's army states that 
" in what they supposed to be the chapel, was found 
an idol which might well be worshipped without 
violating the second commandment, on account of 
its likeness to anything either in Heaven or earth." 
At the treaty at Tioga Point, in 1790, while the 
ceremony of adopting Thomas Morris into the 
Seneca Nation was in progress, which was in a re- 
ligious ceremony, the whole sixteen hundred In- 
dians present united in an offering to the moon, 
then being at her full. Fish-Carrier, an aged and 
noted Chief, officiated as High Priest of the occa- 
sion, making a long speech to the luminary, occa- 
sionally throwing tobacco into the fire as incense.* 

* Red Jacket was prominent at this assembly, and no doubt 
partook of the idolatrous ceremony. He was a pagan, very 
hostile to Christianity, and gave orders that when he died he 
should be buried after the Indian custom, and refused to allow 
missionaries to make an establishment on the Seneca Reserva- 

200 



THE CHURCH 201 

The first account we have of any Christian wor- 
ship in this place was at the burial of those officers 
and soldiers in Sullivan's army who fell in the 
battle of Chemung, and were brought back to Tioga 
Point for burial. The Rev. Mr. Rogers, Chaplain, 
preached a funeral sermon on the occasion. 

After the Indians were removed the country was 
rapidly settled by white people from Wyoming and 
lower Pennsylvania. The Connecticut settlers were 
of Puritan descent, and were frequently visited by 
missionaries from New England missionary so- 
cieties. 

tion, in Western New York, about 1824. Rev. Asher Wright, 
the missionary who has labored among the Senecas many years, 
says : " Red Jaclcet was a very intemperate man, and much 
under the influence of infidel white men, and till near the 
close of his life was opposed to the Christian religion. A few 
months before he died he visited an old friend in Genesee 
county, who had formerly sympathized with him. He was 
greatly astonished at the change apparent in this friend, who 
had been converted, and had given up whiskey and was now 
living happily with his family. Red Jacket watched narrowly 
everything he saw in this old friend, and on his return he said 
to his traveling companion : " There must be something better 
in this Gospel than I ever gave it credit for if it makes changes 
like this in men's characters. I should do well to receive it 
myself. It must be true and good. I am going to try it." He 
continued to talk of it after reaching home, and was in a very 
serious and tender frame of mind till attacked with his last 
sickness. This friend thought that in heart he believed in 
Jesus Christ, but he had no opportunity to make profession of 
his faith ; though he said to his wife, whom he had once greatly 
abused on account of her Christian faith, " persevere in your 
religion. It is the right way." This, so far as is known, was 
his last utterance upon the subject. 

Red Jacket died January, 1831, aged 81 years, and was buried 
in a Christian manner, which fact would seem to corroborate 
the reported change in his views. 



202 EARLY TIMES 

Methodist preachers also were early on the 
ground, classes formed and local preachers ap- 
pointed. 

It was but a little more than thirty years after 
the heathen left the country that a church was 
formed at Athens. One had been formed at Wya- 
lusing as early as 1794, one at Wysox near the close 
of the century, one established in Smithfield at its 
first settlement about 1801. 

In the fall of 1811 Eev. William Wisner, from 
Newtown, visited Athens. He was a native of War- 
wick, Orange county, N. Y., and came to Newtown 
in 1800. He studied law with Hon. Vincent 
Mathews, and had practiced at the bar a few years. 
After he made a profession of religion, his atten- 
tion was turned to the ministry, and soon after he 
was licensed to preach. He came to this place, sup- 
posing that the novelty of hearing a lawyer preach 
might bring the people out to hear him. His sub- 
ject was " The total depravity of the human heart, 
the remedy which God had provided for fallen man, 
and the certainty of the eternal perdition of those 
who do not avail themselves of that provision." 
The congregation was large and attentive, so much 
so that he made an appointment for the next Sab- 
bath, when there were evident tokens of the Divine 
presence. People came many miles to hear him, 
and the upper part of the Academy was crowded. 
A general revival of religion followed. The next 
summer, on the 8th day of July, 1812, the " First 
Congregational Church" was formed, with about 
thirty members, and was connected with the " Lu- 
zerne Association." Rev. Ard Hoyt, afterward 



THE CHURCH 20S 

missionary to the Clierokees at " Mission Ridge," 
Georgia, presided. While in session, and during 
the examination of candidates, a middle aged 
woman from Litchfield township entered the room 
quietly, and with her usual promptness went di- 
rectly to the moderator and presented him with a 
paper. He read it with emotion. It was the cer- 
tificate that signified the good and regular stand- 
ing of the aged father and mother, the eldest son's 
wife, and their daughter Eebecca, in the church 
where they had lived in Connecticut. Father Hoyt 
then inquired where they had lived. She replied 
with a smile, " In the woods three or four miles 
distant; have lived there about two years." After 
inquiring if any one present was acquainted with 
them, and being assured that they were a worthy 
family, Father Hoyt turned to his brethren in the 
ministry and said, " Here, brethren, the Lord has 
had a church in the wilderness, and nobody has 
known it." The church was organized and this 
family was added to it. They were constant at- 
tendants at church ; and from their mountain home 
they might uniformly be seen on the early Sabbath 
morning in a cart drawn by oxen wending their 
way down to the landing on the Susquehanna, 
where they entered their canoe, the aged grand- 
mother, her son and his wife, and sister, and sev- 
eral children, neatly clad in homespun, and fioated 
down the river to the place of worship. After the 
two services the canoe was entered again, and the 
boys with their setting poles pushed back to the 
landing. The old gentleman, blind and feeble, sel- 
dom, if ever, came down from the mountain. It 



204 EARLY TIMES 

was liis Pisgah, from which b;^ faith he could view 
the promised land. 

Rev. William Wisner was the first pastor of this 
church, and remained with it three years, receiving 
aid from the New Hampshire and Connecticut Mis- 
sionary Societies. He preached alternately at the 
old red school iiouse at Milltown and the Academy 
at the Point. His instructions were such as to 
make an impression, and he has been greatly 
blessed in his labors. Mr. Wisner was eminently 
a fireside preacher. He went from house to house, 
calling the family together and conversing with 
each member. The children shared largely in his 
attentions, and many a youthful heart was brought 
to a spiritual knowledge of the Saviour through 
his instrumentality. On extraordinary occasions 
he wrote his sermons, otherwise he preached off- 
hand. The three years passed quickly, and it was 
necessary for him to remove to another field of 
labor. February 27th, 1816, Mr. Wisner sent in his 
resignation in the following words : 

" Dearly Beloved in the Lord. After striving in 
vain to retain the endearing relation which has sub- 
sisted between us, I do now, with the approbation 
of the Association and your consent, commit you 
to the love of God, and resign my charge over 
you." * 

After the pastoral relation between the Rev. Mr. 

* Mr. Wisner built a house and planted fruit trees on the lot 
now occupied by General Williston. Several of the stately trees 
are still bearing fruit. He was then a little more than thirty 
years of age. He is now near ninety, and is living at Ithaca. 
He writes to a friend, " My life with all its trials has been one 
of great enjoyment, and I am happy in the decline of life, as 



THE CHURCH 205 

Wisner and the church of Athens was dissolved, 
the Rev. John Bascom was chosen moderator, and 
Deacon Josiah Crocker, clerk. Mr. Bascom 
preached one-half of his time in Smithfield, em- 
ployed and paid by the people of that place. The 
remainder of his time was spent in missionary 
labors, chiefly at Spencer, N. Y., receiving aid from 
the New England Missionary Associations. The 
Rev. M. York, Rev. John Smith, Rev. Simeon R. 
Jones, and others, and Mr. Bascom, preached at 
Athens at different times, and occasional additions 
were made to the church. 

In 1818 and '19, a valuable accession was made 
of several intelligent Christian families from Sil- 
ver Lake,* in Susquehanna County. They had 
been induced by the very flattering accounts of the 
country to sell their property in New England, 
leave their homes and invest their funds in the new 
region. It proved a very unfortunate movement 
for them, and they came to Athens in reduced cir- 
cumstances. The men engaged as tenants to the 
farmers around, and by persevering industry and 
frugality, with the aid of the little money they 
brought with them, were carried through the sea- 
sons of scarcity which followed.f 

I was in its morning or noon. God has not forsaken me in my 
old age." Mr. Wisner has often visited here, and alwaj's fre- 
quents the old burying-ground, where he finds so many of his 
former congregation. 

* Those who came from Silver Lake were the Warner, Mor- 
gan, Wheelock, Muzzy and Calkins families, many of whose 
descendants are among our leading citizens. 

t During these seasons the crops were very short. The peo- 
ple could not wait to go to mill with their wheat, or pay toll at 
the mifls, but pounded out their grain at their homes, and baked 



206 EARLY TIMES 

But notwithstanding these trying circumstances, 
that fell with peculiar weight upon these new- 
comers, the church prospered. It was the practice 
of the church for many years to meet together once 
a month, and to bring their children with them to 
pray for the prosperity of Zion, The Lord heark- 
ened and heard. From 1820 to 1824 there was 
almost a continual revival of religion. The work 
of divine grace was manifest in the church, and in 
the hearts of many others. 

At this time the Rev. James Williamson came to 
Athens. His labors were greatly blessed. There 
probably was never a time when so happy and 
prosperous a state of things existed in the church 
as at this period. 

In April, 1823, the Congregational Church of 
Athens adopted the Presbyterian form of govern- 
ment by a majority vote, to be in connection with 
Susquehanna Presbytery, originally the Luzerne 
Association. William B. Swain and George A. 
Perkins were chosen Ruling Elders. 

October, 1825, Rev. Isaac W. Piatt was chosen 
Moderator of the church, and ministered here five 
years. Many of the church members were not satis- 
fied with the Presbyterian form of government, 
and at the suggestion of Mr. Piatt the church 
adopted the plan of Union, recommended by the 
General Assembly of the Presbyterian church and 
the General Association of Connecticut in 1801. A 
standing committee of five persons were chosen by 

it in tliis crude state. Money was sometimes deposited at the 
mill to purchase grain, but none could be procured except what 
was received as toll for grinding. Many sacrifices wei;e made 
Tby families to supply themselves with food. 



THE CHURCH 207 

the church to act upon this plan, which was gen- 
erally satisfactory. During the pastorate of Rev. 
Mr. Piatt, in 1826, the first church edifice was 
erected here. In 1833 Rev. William C. Wisner, son 
of the former pastor, was called to this church, and 
remained here more than a year. 

Rev. William Adams succeeded him in 1835. 
He was a man of fine talents and had become quite 
popular. 

About this time a student from Princeton deliv- 
ered a lecture here upon the subject of Slavery, 
which created such excitement as to make it pru- 
dent for the young man to leave town at the earliest 
opportunity. 

The next Sabbath Mr. Adams preached a ser- 
mon against " Popular Violence," which resulted 
in his removal from this place. 

Rev. C. C. Corss became pastor of the church in 
April, 1837. The General Assembly of the Presby- 
terian Church met in Philadelphia, and the follow- 
ing May passed the " Exscinding Act," by which 
four Synods, 500 ministers, and about 60,000 
communicants were declared to have no connec- 
tion with the Presbyterian Church, thereby repu- 
diating the plan of Union, upon which ground the 
church of Athens then stood. A committee was 
sent from the Susquehanna Presbytery to notify 
the church members that they were no longer in 
connection with that body, and to organize a church 
which should be strictly Presbyterian and in con- 
nection with them. The Presbytery was in sym- 
pathy with the proceedings of the late General 
Assembly. 



208 EARLY TIMES 

A portion of the church preferred to remain as 
they were, while others chose to be connected with 
the Susquehanna Presbytery, thus dividing a small 
church. This necessarily involved the question of 
church property, which was finally setled by each 
body consenting to use the house alternately, thus 
causing much that was painful, if not reproachful, 
to the cause of religion. 

Mr. Corss preached for the Old School, and Rev. 
C. Thurston for the New School, Rev. Nathaniel 
Elmer succeeding Mr. T. This state of things ex- 
isted about twenty years, from 1838 to '58, many 
hoping for a reunion of the General Assemblies, 
which might also unite the churches. 

At length during a powerful revival of religion 
which occurred about this time, a compromise was 
effected, both branches consenting to unite and 
transfer their ecclesiastical relations to the Re- 
formed Dutch Church. 

They remained in this connection until after the 
reunion of the two General Assemblies, when the 
church again became Presbyterian. 

Rev. Augustus Todd, Rev. P. Berry, and Rev. 
John Shaw were pastors under this administration. 
Within that time the old church was burned in 
1861, and a new brick church was erected in 1862. 

It is not known that a Methodist class was formed 
in the village of Athens, until 1832. Mr. Shippy, 
a class-leader, lived here, in the early part of the 
century, and was in the habit of meeting for prayer, 
with any who might wish to assemble, of whatever 
name, but it is believed he was connected with the 
class on the west side of the river, in what was 



THE CHURCH 209 

tlien called " Christian Street," on account of the 
number of Methodists who lived there. Mr. Abra- 
ham Minier was their leader for many years. The 
street had previously been called Holland, on ac- 
count of several Dutch families having early set- 
tled there. The first Methodist house of worship 
in the village of Athens was built in 1844. Dedi- 
cation sermon preached by Rev. J. Dodge. The 
church was burned in 1851, at the time of the great 
fire, when a number of stores, a long row of build- 
ings, and a small Episcopal church on the bank 
of the river were consumed. 

The Methodist church was rebuilt of brick in 
1852. 

The Episcopal stone church was built in 1861. 

The churches in the upper part of the village 
were built some years previous. 



XXIX 

MRS. CLEMENT PAINE 

Mrs. p. was a resident of Athens many years, and 
was extensively known in the early part of the cen- 
tury. We have added some account of this excel- 
lent woman, with extracts from her diary, which 
it is thought desirable to insert here as connected 
with the early history of Athens. She was the 
daughter of Theodore Woodbridge, brother of the 
distinguished William Woodbridge, and was born 
in Glastonbury, Connecticut, September 13th, 
1784. The family were educated and intelligent. 
She finished her education at Hartford in the year 
1800, just before her father removed with his fam- 
ily, together with twenty other families, to Salem 
in Northern Pennsylvania, 90 miles southeast of 
Athens, which was then a wilderness. 

They bought land under the Connecticut title, 
which was superseded by Pennsylvania claims, but 
notwithstanding these difficulties they became a 
prosperous community, one seldom equaled in any 
new country. 

Here Miss Woodbridge commenced a diary which 
afforded her much comfort in her retired situation. 
The style and sentiments of her journal would do 
honor to any of our female writers. Her early 
reading was principally confined to religious 
authors of a former period, where she found much 

210 



MRS. CLEMENT PAINE 211 

to improve lier understanding and comfort lier 
heart. Occasionally she visited Wilkesbarre, where 
she met congenial society, and works of more mod- 
ern authors. These tended much to her improve- 
ment, and although of a very timid and retiring 
disposition, she could converse and write with un- 
common elegance and facility. 

In her solitary and retired life she found some 
valuable Christian society among the people who 
had removed with them from Connecticut. 

After the death of her mother the care and re- 
sponsibility of the family devolved upon her. 
Though but seventeen years old she entered upon 
her duties with fidelity and industry, by which her 
father, two brothers, and a sister were made com- 
fortable and their home cheerful. 

Sometimes in this wilderness the snow was so 
deep that the roads were impassable, and they saw 
no faces but those of their own family for many 
days. While the dreary storm continued, her diary 
says, " I am by no means discontented, for I have 
long since been taught that happiness, if anywhere 
to be found, is in one's own breast, that our own 
domestic scenes, and our own fireside are prefer- 
able to any other. How miserable must that per- 
son be who never finds enjoyment at home." 

" March 6th, 1804. The storm and cold have 
abated, and the spring has returned with all its 
beauties. I find much happiness in our family. 
What in this life is there to be compared to do- 
mestic felicity? I do not know of a person in the 
world with whom I would exchange situations." 
In this peaceful retirement Miss W. often ex- 



212 EARLY TIMES 

presses herself as " happily situated," not exposed 
to the many temptations of more polite and fash- 
ionable society. Sometimes she speaks of the cares 
and responsibilities of the family, sometimes of 
going into the woods with her brother to make 
sugar. Sometimes her hand held the distaff, which 
resulted in a long piece of cloth for family use, and 
often reading books sent to her by friends, or en- 
tertaining missionaries from New England who 
visited the settlement. Mr. Seth Williston was one 
of these missionaries, and she regarded him as the 
instrument of her conversion. 

" My good father was overjoyed at the change in 
my feelings. It has been his highest hope for his 
children that they might all be brought into the 
fold of Christ. When the family were assembled 
for worship it seemed like a little heaven below. 
Retirement was sweet, and prayer a most delight- 
ful exercise. 

" There is a work for us to do, and this work is 
exactly calculated to subdue pride, and remove all 
self-confidence. It brings us to a state of humility 
from a sense of our own insufficiency to do any 
good thing, and that we are forever undone except 
God appear for us. When thus prepared God 
shows the way of salvation through Christ, par- 
dons our sins and gives us faith in Him." 

The time came for changes in this retired and 
peaceful family. Her father married again, and in 
her diary she writes, " The next year I was united 
to the man I loved." 

Clement Paine was engaged in merchandise at 
Athens, and purchased his goods in Philadelphia. 



MRS. CLEMENT PAINE 213 

He frequently passed through Wilkesbarre, where 
he became acquainted with Miss Woodbridge. He 
afterwards visited her father's house in Salem, and 
in 1806 she came with him to Athens as his bride. 

Mrs. Paine found some choice society in her new 
home. Mrs. Tuttle and Mrs. Hopkins, of whom 
she often speaks as having taken sweet counsel 
together, were ladies of piety, refinement, and 
pleasing manners. They often met for social 
prayer at their own private rooms, and after a little 
time met at the house (a log-cabin) of a Methodist 
family to worship on the Sabbath. Here they 
found the Saviour present time after time, until 
their hearts became so overflowing that their faith 
required a larger place. They asked the privilege 
of meeting in a ball-room on the Sabbath, and in- 
vited their husbands to read the sermons, and the 
Methodist brother to pray. The congregation sang, 
and they soon collected quite an assembly. Then 
the Lord directed the Eev. Seth Williston and other 
missionaries to preach to them occasionally, and 
afterward a church was formed, and numbers 
added to it. One of these mothers in Israel, Mrs. 
Tuttle, lived at Elmira until 1856, when she died. 
A strong friendship existed between these estimable 
ladies, which was interrupted by death only to be 
perpetuated in eternity. 

Mrs. Paine had other Christian friends whom she 
valued highly. In her diary she speaks of her 
" venerable and much esteemed friend, Mrs. Salt- 
marsh, the mother of John Saltmarsh, Esq. She 
is a treasure we must soon lose, as she has passed 
her threescore years and ten. It was with deep 



214 EARLY TIMES 

regret that I beheld the decay of her mental powers 
once so strong, and still less weak than most in 
the prime of life. How beautiful does that old age 
appear which is crowned with the wisdom and 
piety of early days though bowed by infirmity. 
Such a one is this aged mother in Israel." 

Learning the destitution of the Bible about the 
country, Mrs. Paine corresponded with Robert 
Ralston, Esq., of Philadelphia, well-known in Bible 
Society operations, and from him received boxes of 
Bibles at different times, which with the tracts she 
procured at her own expense, she commenced a 
system of Bible and Tract distribution. Long be- 
fore the American Bible and Tract Societies came 
into existence, making her way across the rivers 
and up the mountains on horseback she distributed 
to every destitute family within her reach. She 
also employed others to extend the distribution still 
farther. She was thus in fact the first colporteur 
in this region. 

Nor was this the only way she aimed to be use- 
ful. Holding the pen of a ready writer she found 
access to many others. Her kind and faithful 
warnings to the thoughtless, and her encourage- 
ment to the desponding through the medium of her 
littles notes are fresh in the memory of many. By 
these and many other methods of usefulness she 
exerted an influence for good among all classes 
of society. 

The early part of Mrs. Paine's life was tranquil 
and happy, and she speaks of finding much domes- 
tic enjoyment in her new home. She says, " We 
have all we can wish of riches. We are amply fur- 



MRS. CLEMENT PAINE 215 

nished with everything we need; we have few 
intruders on our fireside enjoyments; my little 
Edward every day has stronger claims on my affec- 
tions, and my husband each day is dearer to my 
heart." 

But her pathway became more rugged as she ad- 
vanced in life, and increasing cares and responsi- 
bilities weighed heavily upon her. Her diary 
about this time was addressed principally to her 
children, whom she hoped might be benefited by 
it in after life. With earnestness does she warn 
them against the many snares which Satan will set 
for their youthful feet, and presses it upon them to 
follow in the footsteps of their godly ancestors, 
w^hose prayers are worth vastly more to them than 
a large estate. Another object she had in view in 
writing was her own personal benefit and gratifi- 
cation. She loved to call herself to an account, and 
" talk with her past hours, and ask them what re- 
port they bore to heaven, and how they might have 
borne more welcome news." 

March 16th, 1810. She says in her diary: — 
" Have been very happy in hearing that Esq. Salt- 
marsh, one of our most respectable inhabitants, 
has publicly declared his intention of making re- 
ligion his greatest object of pursuit, and has com- 
menced praying in his family;" and she takes oc- 
casion from this example to impress it upon her 
children to make religion the ultimate purpose of 
their lives. She warns them against embracing 
any system that does not exalt God, and humble 
the sinner, and urges them to see that their views 
are consistent with the standard of truth by which 



216 EARLY TIMES 

so many good men have been directed and made 
happy. " Again, let me entreat you to study the 
Scriptures with child-like simplicity, and let no 
persuasions or arguments prevail on you to disbe- 
lieve the truth. If you cast that away you are 
like a ship without a pilot or compass on the wide 
and dangerous ocean. Be constant in your devo- 
tions, at least morning and evening pray for your- 
selves, for your friends, and for the world. If this 
is a painful task, pray to God until he makes it a 
delightful privilege, until he makes you a Chris- 
tian. Begin a holy life in early days. It is the 
morning of life and the dew of youth which are 
particularly acceptable to God. It is then that the 
passions are most easily subdued. Bad habits and 
principles are not so stubborn as in later years. 

'' October 28th^ 1811. Last evening saw an ac- 
count in the magazine of four young men of hand- 
some talents and acquirements who had devoted 
their lives to the purpose of carrying the glad news 
of salvation to the heathen. I also saw an account 
of a Mrs. Norris, who had bequeathed |30,000 for 
the same object. A fear was also expressed that 
the Missionary funds would not be adequate to the 
numerous expenses. I was lamenting deeply with 
Laura that we had nothing to bestow. After many 
fruitless plans and regrets, the idea occurred that 
although Providence had not opened a door for us 
in this way, yet we have an opportunity perhaps 
of more usefulness than if we had more money at 
command. There are many children and youth in 
every village who need religious instruction. Miss 
Hannah More, by her personal exertions, civilized 



MRS. CLEMENT PAINE 217 

and moralized a village which previously was ex- 
tremely vicious and depraved. If we have not, like 
her, the influence, talents, and education requisite 
for the establishment of Sunday Schools, yet all 
of us have qualifications sufficient to enable us to 
instruct in the simple truths of the gospel. It is 
also the happy privilege of every Christian mother 
to educate a little church for God. Another way in 
which we may be useful is by prayer." 

Mrs. Paine established a Sabbath School in this 
place in 1818. She often met with the children on 
the Fourth of July, and furnished them with an en- 
tertainment, prepared by herself. 

Under date of November 4th, 1811, she writes : — 
" It is a little more than a week since I heard the 
distressing news of my dear father's death! How 
trifling and little has the world and all its concerns 
since appeared. It has seemed as if I were but a 
step from eternity. For a few hours my grief was 
without any alleviation, until the sweet thought 
that I should spend a long eternity with him, if 
like him I lived, darted into my heart. This is as 
a reviving balsam to my wounded spirit, nor have 
I since felt my grief so severe. Another great 
source of consolation is, that this event was the ap- 
pointment of Divine Wisdom. And, shall I repine? 
Is it not time that this faithful servant should rest 
from his labors? His life has been a long and 
laborious one. Sweet indeed must be his rest. 
Methinks I see him happy beyond expression, and 
with his usual tranquil and cheerful countenance, 
for that bespoke him a saint. I have often thought 
that his countenance, like Moses', proved that he 



218 EARLY TIMES 

conversed much witli God, His devotions were 
frequent and fervent. I have heard him relate 
frequent instances of the efficacy of prayer. He 
told me one day that he had been earnestly pray- 
ing for me, and that God had given him assurance 
that in his own time he would bring me ' out of 
nature's darkness into His marvelous light.' This 
was great encouragement to me, as were his pious 
instructions. He had a deep sense of the depravity 
of the heart, and frequently admired the wonderful 
condescension of God in hearing and answering the 
imperfect petitions of mortals. 

" His charity was bounded only by necessity. On 
his only visit to me he saw a widowed mother 
with her fatherless family. I learned accidentally 
some months after his departure that he presented 
them with |20. A donation of |30 I also heard of 
his giving to another family in similar circum- 
stances. I am persuaded that many such sums 
have been secretly given by him, and thus he laid 
up for himself treasures in heaven which he is now 
enjoying. His conversation was such as adorned 
the character of a Christian and a gentleman, and 
such as pleased and instructed all who heard him. 
There was an uncommon union of dignity and 
modesty in his deportment. The vicious feared 
and the virtuous loved him. It was his practice to 
do his duty in trying circumstances, and leave the 
event to God, — 

" ' All the dull cares and tumults of this world, 
Like harmless thunders, breaking at his feet, 
Excite his pity, not impair his peace.' 

" He had not a college education, as had his three 



MRS. CLEMENT PAINE 219 

older brothers, who were clergymen, yet few have 
a better informed mind, or as much taste, judg- 
ment, and sentiment. He became a Christian at 
the age of twenty-one; then he relinquished the 
company and amusement of his gay companions, 
because they appeared so trifling and insipid com- 
pared with the enjoyments he found in religion. 
Soon after, he entered the Eevolutionary War, 
where he remained during its continuance, and 
distinguished himself by his piety and bravery. 
There he obtained the commission of major. At 
the age of thirty-three he married my mother, the 
daughter of a rich and respectable merchant. I 
was their eldest child ; two sons and two daughters 
composed our family. By his industry he procured 
a competency of the good things of this life, but 
our eternal welfare lay nearest his heart. This led 
him to seek a residence in retirement, after giving 
his children a good education in Connecticut. 
Three years after our removal to Salem, my mother 
died. During this sore affliction, a kind neighbor 
endeavored to console me by saying I ought to be 
thankful that I had one of the best of parents left. 
His character, which I have ever esteemed as the 
most virtuous and valuable that I ever knew, since 
his death shines with increasing luster. Do you, 
my children, inquire why he was so justly vener- 
ated by all who knew him? I answer, it was piety 
toward God. It was the approbation of his God 
which he sought in every action of his life. I wrote 
to my dear father about two weeks since, and wrote 
just such a letter as I could wish, had I known it 
to be my last. Oh, that he had answered it. One 



S20 EARLY TIMES 

request I am glad that- 1 made ; it was that he would 
pray his God to give me grace to bring up my chil- 
dren in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. 

" A Congregational Church of eight members had 
l3een formed in our peaceful and retired settlement 
in Salem, but the year after my removal to Athens 
God was pleased to pour out his spirit on that 
place. My youngest brother was from home. My 
father sent for him that he too might be a subject 
of the happy work. He saw all his children pro- 
fessors of religion, and every family became a pray- 
ing family, and, in some instances, four, five, and 
six in a family became hopeful converts. About 
forty united with the church. He saw their tem- 
poral concerns prosperous, schools established, and 
the ordinances of religion enjoyed in the place, 
which in the year 1800 was a howling wilderness. 
God was pleased thus to smile on his endeavors to 
lye useful. What more had he to do in this world? 
— his work was done, and God took him home. He 
died suddenly of typhus fever. 

" When my sister and myself last parted from 
my father, he enjoined it upon us to pray with and 
for each other. I trust we frequently prayed for 
each other, but a sinful timidity kept us from social 
prayer. The injunction came home to us with dou- 
ble force after his death. We have since each day 
regularly prayed by turns with the children under 
my care. I esteem it a great privilege, and it has 
rendered my sister doubly dear. 

"Sab., January 27, 1812. Yesterday I was very 
liappily surprised at the arrival of Rev. Mr. Wis- 
ner, formerly a lawyer of considerable eminence, 



MRS. CLEMENT PAINE 221 

but a change of heart induced him to change his 
profession. He preached two of the most excellent 
sermons to-day, to a crowded audience, that I have 
heard since I have been in Athens. I wonder how 
any one could remain in unbelief. Sinners must 
have had their eyes sealed and their hearts hard- 
ened indeed to resist the truth. After enduring a 
long famine of the word of God, it was a precious 
feast of good things to my soul which I this day 
enjoyed. He preached in the old Academy, and his 
text in the a. m. was — ' What went ye out for to 
•see? ' in the p. m. — ' Let us alone, that we may serve 
the Egyptians.' He showed the wickedness of the 
Israelites, and the goodness of God, who would not 
let them alone, and also who they are at the pres- 
ent time that desire God to let them alone. 

" I called last evening on one of our neighbors, 
who is supposed to lie at the point of death, Mr. 
John Miller, a merchant of this place, about thirty 
years of age. He leaves a young and interesting 
wife. I tried to call his attention to the importance 
of being prepared for death, but his chief anxiety 
was to know how his widow should be provided 
for. He died this a. m. and his death was an- 
nounced to the congregation. 

'^^ Sab., Feb. 10th. In what language can I thank 
my Heavenly Father for all his favors? He seems 
about giving his children in this place their heart's 
desire — in his ordinances and the preaching of the 
gospel. The Eev. Mr. Williston, Mr. Parker, and 
Mr. Jones have frequently preached to us, but 
they obtained few hearers, and Mr. Wisner came to 
us with little expectation of doing good. He had, 



222 EARLY TIMES 

however, a very numerous audience, who were 
strictly attentive while he preached the undis- 
guised truth. The second Sabbath he preached in 
Milltown to a very crow^ded assembly, and in this 
village in the evening. Last Monday I visited at 
Mr. Crocker's in Milltown, and attended a prayer- 
meeting. It was with much difSiculty I obtained 
this privilege, yet I found it a happy season to my 
soul. When I arrived at Mr. C.'s I learned he w^as 
absent on the business of obtaining a subscription 
for hiring Mr. Wisner to preach to us a year. How 
joyfully did we hear the glad tidings that he was 
likely to succeed, and that the famine of the word 
we have endured was to be followed by ' a feast 
of fat things.' How glad was I to hear that several 
were awakened to a sense of the importance of pre- 
paring for an awful eternity, and to see at the 
prayer-meeting some children, bathed in tears, ear- 
nestly appearing to inquire ' What must we do to 
be saved.' The little number of Christians are 
earnestly engaged in praying for the outpouring of 
the spirit, and for the preached gospel. 

"Mr. Wisner returned from Newtown on Wed- 
nesday. He proposed a conference which was at- 
tended at our house, and I can truly say it was the 
happiest one I ever attended. He has made our 
house his home when in the village, as did the 
former ministers, and I am thankful for the privi- 
lege of entertaining them, and of enjoying the bene- 
fit of their conversation and prayers. They ear- 
nestly pray for my family. Oh, that their prayers 
might not be in vain. 

" Mr. W. says his way has been wonderfully 



MRS. CLEMENT PAINE 223 

hedged up whenever he has thought of leaving this 
people. When he came he had no idea of spending 
more than one Sabbath, but the attention the peo- 
ple manifested, induced him to make an appoint- 
ment for the next Sabbath, and for the same reason 
he came the third Sabbath. He had with much 
pleasure contemplated a journey to Ontario, where 
they were very desirous to have him take the pas- 
toral charge of the church. They had made a regu- 
lar ' call,' and sent to him, but the bearer lost it 
on the road, and before it could be renewed he had 
a pressing invitation from us, and a subscription 
raised for his support. Last week he remained 
with us attending conferences, and visiting fami- 
lies, as he found himself too unwell to leave. From 
these circumstances and the spirit of prayer that 
prevails, I am led to think the thing is of God." 

After an interruption of three years she resumes 
her journal. 

" Tues., Jan. lOthy 1815. Eeceived a call this 
morning from Mrs. B — , a temporary resident. 
She spoke of the uncommon sorrows which had 
fallen to her lot. I could not condole with her, 
for I really could not think from what source her 
troubles came, as she is a boarder perfectly at ease, 
has an affectionate husband, and an only son, — a 
most promising character. I studied much what 
to say by way of commiseration, but my attempts 
were awkward. This p. m., another Mrs. B — ■ 
<?alled. She too spoke of her griefs as if they could 
not be a secret to any one, yet apparently her situa- 
tion is pleasant, having a good husband, and an 
•agreeable, affectionate family of children, more 



2M EARLY TIMES 

than commonly engaging. Next Mrs. H — called. 
She had not only her own sorrows, but those of her 
two daughters to bear; all of whom are richly sup- 
plied with all this world can give. I thought of my 
own woes, but had I alluded to them I suppose they 
would not have been better understood by others 
than theirs are by me — so I spoke not of them. 

^'^ Thurs., Jan. 12th. Eeceived a visit from Mrs. 
Shepard, Mrs. Hopkins, and Mrs. Backus. These 
friends I esteem highly. With the former I have 
not been intimately acquainted, although a sister 
in the church, as she has not long been a resident 
here ; she is a woman of a superior mind and pleas- 
ing manners. 

'' Fri., Feb. 2Uh. Visited Mrs. this p. m. T 

saw in her family the picture of those who enjoy 
all the pleasures the present moment can impart, 
regardless of the future. If all that they now 
enjoy could be continued, they must have more 
than the common share allotted to mortals. But 
their prospects appear to me very gloomy, nothing 
for a sick day, or old age, and soon they may be 
deprived of their present very comfortable abode 
and business. 

" Thurs. Apr. 20th. To-day we have followed 
Brother Enoch Paine to his long home. After a 
life of activity, of health, of usefulness, death has 
laid him in the dust. 

''Sab., May 7th. With all my little ones I at- 
tended meeting. Mr. Wisner preached from the 
text — ' Follow peace with all men.' His sermon 
in the p. m. was from the remainder of the text — 
' And holiness, without which no man can see the 



MRS. CLEMENT PAINE 225 

Lord.' Oil, who could hear what he said, about the 
consequences of not having holiness, and go away 
una wakened ! 

" Wed., May 10th. Purchased the ' Life of Rev. 
David Brainerd,' written by President Edwards. 
If one wishes to know the difference between him 
who serveth God and him who serveth him not, 
let him compare the life of Brainerd with that of 
the thoughtless and profane. 

^' Thurs. Eve., May 18th. Have long had a great 
desire to read Shakespeare; I flattered myself with 
the idea of improving my style — therefore sent for 
the first volume from the village library. I found 
it was forbidden fruit to me, whatever it might be 
to others, for the pleasing fiction occupied all my 
attention, and prevented my search for beauties of 
style. To my surprise, I found many indelicacies, 
which I did not expect in so celebrated an author, 
therefore I shall probably remain ignorant of the 
beauties of Shakespeare. Oh, that his genius had 
been better employed! then might those who seek 
to know Jesus, and him crucified, have known and 
admired his writings too. 

^^ Sah., May 28th. While making arrangements 
to wait on God in his house, I received an urgent 
invitation to visit a sick woman. It was two miles 
distant, and very difficult for me to go, yet T 
thought it my duty — therefore sent the four older 
children to meeting three miles distant, took my 
little one and went to see the sick woman. The 
family have hardly the necessaries of life, while w^e 
have so many of those refinements which sweeten 
our enjoyment. On our return we called at a house 



226 EARLY TIMES 

where lives an old man alone. It was old Dr. 
Dart, lie was talking philosophy, and acting it; 
for with an invited friend he was eating some 
roasted potatoes on the head of a barrel. He apol- 
ogized with a very cheerful countenance, said they 
were eating a very humble meal, but it was the 
best he had in the house. Poverty, where there is 
anything like refinement of manners and mind, 
does not appear half so disagreeable, as when there 
is nothing but vulgarity and ignorance. 

" Thurs., June 1st. The road is filled with trav- 
elers going to a camp-meeting about ten miles 
above us. Some women passed yesterday who had 
walked thirty miles to attend. 

^'^ Sah.^ June 4:th. Crowds are still going and re- 
turning from camp-meeting. Our family have all 
attended Mr. Wisner's meeting, and have been 
richly fed with sweet, divine truths. 

'^'^ Sah., June 11th. Attended meeting at Mill- 
town. The children walked. I never love them so 
well as when I see them thus presenting themselves 
before God. 

'^^ Thurs., June 15th. Saw dear brother Bascom, 
my sister's husband, who brought me the ' Life of 
Winter ' and the ' Life of Dr. Hopkins.' 

^^ Fri., June l^th. Have heard that Deacon 
Crocker, who is the chief pillar of our church, is 
under the necessity of removing from us, being out 
of employment. This will be a great frown of 
Providence if it takes place, next to the removal 
of our minister, which I fear will soon follow if 
God does not appear for us. 

^' Sab., June 18th. Attended a reading meeting, 



MRS. CLEMENT PAINE 227 

Mr. Wisner being absent, and I enjoyed more than 
a common Sabbath's blessing in hearing the good 
Mr. Morse pray. Since meeting, have been much 
entertained with the life of Winter. 

" Sah., July 16th. What a day of rejoicing has 
this been to our minister and his church ! A de- 
gree of that joy which is felt by angels over one 
repenting sinner has been ours. We rejoice over 
four who have been admitted to our church. How 
strong my hopes that this awakening will not end 
here, that my dear children will also be the sub- 
jects of this work. jNIrs. W. called to tell me that 
her son C. W. is under deep convictions. That he 
spent a sleepless night, he wept much and was in 
great distress. Should C. become a Christian, what 
a plant of renown he might be in the vineyard of 
the Lord! 

"^ Sat., Sept. IQth. This evening attended prayer- 
meeting. It was delightful to worship God with 
the little number of his people after a day of fa- 
tigue and care. I thought how much more delight- 
ful it would be to worship him eternally and with- 
out any mixture of sin. The eternal Sabbath of 
rest. How delightful and harmonious the sound. 

'^^ Sab., Sept. 17th. Have not attended meeting 
to-day on account of the indisposition of my chil- 
dren. When duty obliges me to remain at home I 
often enjoy myself, and find a Sabbath day's 
blessing. 

^'^ Tues., Sept. Vdth. Some remarks having been 
made derogatory to the character of another, gave 
occasion to our dear minister to say, ' No matter 
liow true a report is, if we circulate it with a view 



228 EARLY TIMES 

of lessening the reputation of the object, it is 
slander/ 

" Wed., Sept. 20th. The ' Luzerne Congrega- 
tional Association ' is sitting here. I pray that God 
may grant them wisdom in all their deliberations. 

" Fri., Sept. 22d. Have felt idle because I have 
not engaged in any of my undertakings. My father 
used to say that he had rather be driven with busi- 
ness than have little or nothing to do, and I have 
often felt the truth of this remark. 

'"^ Sah., Oct., 1st. This morning I awoke anxious 
to attend meeting. If I could not ride, resolved 
to walk. As is often the case when I determine to 
surmount every diflftculty, Providence provided for 
me and I rode. I was very much edified by the 
sermons, and did not repent my attendance, al- 
though three miles from home and five children 
with me. With James before me and Seth behind 
on one horse I arrived safely. Sometimes I scarcely 
know what duty is. I wish to attend the worship 
of God with my children. If I cannot take them, 
it is my duty to stay with them, as they are too 
young to leave, and the difficulty of taking them 
is great. We ought to show more zeal for the wor- 
ship of God than Christians generally do, yet to 
do what appears like saying, ' Come, see my zeal 
for the Lord,' does not glorify him. 

^'^ Tues., Oct. M. A girl who attends dancing- 
school, walks three miles, and crosses the river, and 
either has to burden some family w^ith her com- 
pany, or return home after ten o'clock at night, last 
evening gave me a share of the inconvenience aris- 
ing from it. Without any acquaintance or invi- 



MRS. CLEMENT PAINE 229 

tation she called and took tea, lodged, and break- 
fasted, thanked me for her entertainment and de- 
parted. I pitied the poor girl much for her 
folly, gave her my opinion, intending to spare her 
feelings yet be plain. Another case, similar to this, 
occurred this evening. It is humiliating to wit- 
ness the folly of mankind. Read a chapter this 
evening to a child eleven years of age, who said 
she had never heard a chapter read before, nor had 
they a Bible in their house. 

'' Fri., Oct. 6th. This p. m. Mr. Wisner visited 
us. While engaged in conversation, a carriage 
drove to the door in which were two strangers. It 
proved to be Mr. Paine's eldest brother. Dr. James 
Paine, and his daughter Charlotte. I had never 
seen him before, and was never more happy in re- 
ceiving one of my own brothers. His prayers and 
his conversation are a luxury, and prove him a 
dear follower of my own dear Saviour. 

"Sab., Oct. 16th. Attended meeting at Mill- 
town. Mr. Wisner made some remarks, which I ap- 
plied directly to myself, and felt very much hum- 
bled for my stupidity. Prayers were offered by 
the deacons, during the intermission, at Mr. W.'s 
request. 

"Sat., Oct. 21st. Attended prayer-meeting, five 
only were collected. Mr. Wisner prayed for the 
outpouring of the Spirit, as if he had the assistance 
of the Holy Spirit, or as if Christ had met with uSo 

"Sat., Nov. 1th. This evening went to prayer- 
meeting. Saw brilliant lights throughout the vil- 
lage. A humble light shone at the academy where 
we met for prayer. I felt happy in the idea of 



230 EARLY TIMES 

meeting dear brothers and sisters. / met them, 
their number was three besides the minister, and 
what was worse they were just retiring. I had 
been detained and was too late. I felt ashamed 
indeed that I should not encourage the heart of 
our minister by a zeal for the worship of God, and 
more that I should cheat my own soul of heavenly 
food. 

'' Tues., Nov. 7th. Mr. and Mrs. Wisner made 
us a farewell visit. We, as a church, deserve the 
frowns of Providence, and we experience them in 
the removal of Mr. Wisner, and in the indiffer- 
ence or opposition of our friends and relatives. 
Mr. Wisner intends preaching here still, but we 
have reason to fear that his dismission will be the 
next step. 

^' Wed., Nov. Sth. This morning Esq. Saltmarsh 
was suddenly removed into the eternal world. He 
was a useful inhabitant and a friend of Jehovah. 
Oh ! that my work of life was done and well done. 
How sweet would be the sleep of death! 

''Sat., Nov. 11th. Attended the funeral of Esq. 
Saltmarsh, where was a large collection of people. 
Heard while at the funeral that Dr. Satterlee, of 
Elmira, had mortally wounded himself with a gun 
that went off accidentally. 

" Tues., Nov. llth. Have heard the joyful news 
that Mr. Wisner has concluded to remain with us 
until spring. 

'' Sat., Nov. ISth. To-morrow is our communion 
day. Had the satisfaction of preparing the sacra- 
mental bread. Had sweet reflections while thus 
engaged, and could say — What am I, and what is 



MRS. CLEMENT PAINE 231 

my Father's house, that I should do this for the 
King of kings, my Lord and my God. 

" Hob., Nov. l^tJi. Our dear minister was ill, 
and unable to do more than administer sacrament. 
The affection of this church for Mr. Wisner is very 
great. Not one of its members would exchange 
him for any other minister, yet appearances are 
very dark in regard to his continuance here. The 
prejudices of the congregation are very great, but 
not greater than have been against every mission- 
ary who has been among us. 

'' Thurs., Nov. SOth. This has been our day of 
public thanksgiving. I did not attend meeting, as 
the weather has been unpleasant, and the meeting 
was at Milltown. Our Heavenly Benefactor has 
done much to gratify our taste as well as to supply 
our necessities. We partake of the great variety 
which God has given us richly to enjoy, and al- 
though endowed with reason, and capable of all 
the feelings of gratitude and devotion, yet we 
rarel^^ exercise them. 

'^ Fri., Dec. 1st. Received a visit from Mrs. 
Welles and Mrs. Hollenback, friends and relatives 
of my early days. Friends and attachments formed 
at that period are peculiarly dear, particularly 
when strengthened by a long series of favors, and 
a continued confidence. 

" 8at., Dec. 2d. Brother Bascom called to-day. 
He is authorized by the trustees of the academy to 
apply to the Theological Seminary at Andover for 
one who is qualified to teach our academy, and 
preach to us, as we have reason to fear that our 
dear pastor will not long continue with us. I find 



232 EARLY TIMES 

much access to God in prayer when pleading that 
a door may be opened for his stay with us. 

" Sah., Dec. M. Mr. Wisner preached this a. m. 
His text was, ' And Jehosaphat said, Is there not 
yet a prophet of the Lord, that we may inquire of 
him? And he said. There is a man whose name is 
Micaiah, but I hate him, for he doth not prophesy 
good concerning me, but evil.' Mr. Wisner used 
arguments which his adversaries could not gain- 
say or resist. On our return from meeting we 
called to see an aged lady, Mrs. Prentice, who has 
probably but a short time to live. 

"'^ Wed., Dec. Qth. Last evening X was called to 
sit up with Mrs. Prentice, who was not expected to 
survive the night. 

" Fri., Dec. 8th. Mrs. Prentice was buried to- 
day. She was a woman of good sense and educa- 
tion. She was the daughter of the Rev. Mr. Owen, 
of Groton, Connecticut. Although more than 
eighty years of age her faculties were not impaired, 
and there was still much sprightliness of mind 
and ga^'Cty of manners apparent. She paid much 
attention to her dress, and a stranger would not 
have supposed her more than seventy. 

''Sat., Dec. 30th. Mr. Paine invited Mr. Cook 
and his brother this evening to supper, they being 
left alone in their house. Their connection was 
very singular. Two brothers married the mother 
and the daughter, and the youngest brother mar- 
ried the mother. 

'' Sah., Dec. Slst. Am very much entertained 
with Miss More's ' Christian Morals.' She has 
driven me from some favorite but false notions. 



MRS. CLEMENT PAINE 233 

Few writers have ever probed my heart so deeply, 
and exposed its evils so much to my own view, nor 
has any author ever excited a more humbling sense 
of my attainments, and of my imperfections. I 
hope God in his goodness to this sinful world will 
spare the life, and preserve the mental powers of 
one so useful. 

" Sat., Jan. Qth, 1816. Attended prayer-meeting 
this evening. Found no one there but Mr. Rich- 
ards, nor were any other there but myself and 
children. Mr. R. sung and prayed, and while I 
enjoyed the blessing lamented that the ways of 
Zion should thus mourn. 

" Sah., Jan. 7th. Rose this morning with a de- 
sire to attend meeting. Although the weather was 
disagreeable, I made ready with my children to 
walk to Milltown. Just as we were on the point of 
setting out, with some doubts whether we should 
not suffer from the cold, Mr. R. came in and said 
he had liberty to take me and the children to meet- 
ing in Mrs. Welles' cutter. I could not but think 
this a kind interposition of Providence, as we must 
otherwise have suffered, for we had not gone far 
when it began to snow, and has continued through 
the day. I did not expect preaching, but just as 
meeting began Mr. Parker came in and preached, 
much to our comfort. 

^^ Wed., Jan. 10th. Had an invitation to an en- 
tertainment this evening. Made several excuses, 
but none would answer, so with a heavy heart I 
went. My surprise and pleasure were great on 
finding the party composed of Mr. and Mrs. Wis- 
ner with their father, and Mr. Guernsey, the pre- 



234 EARLY TIMES 

ceptor of the academy. We enjoyed ourselves in 
rational conversation, but these pleasures will be 
short, as Mr. Wisner's connection with this church 
is soon to be dissolved, and we shall be as sheep 
without a shepherd. 

'^' Sat., Jan. ISth. Attended prayer-meeting this 
evening. But two persons besides my own family 
were present. Mr. Wisner prayed with much fer- 
vency for the church in this place. 

^^ Sah.y Jan. 14:th. Our dear minister has this 
p. M. bid a long farewell to Athens — not expecting 
to preach here again, nor is it thought advisable 
to have reading meetings at present. 

'^ Sat., Jan. 20th. Our dear minister has this 
day removed from us to Ithaca. He bade us an 
affectionate farewell. When he had gone I wept 
for myself, and for my children. 

" Tliurs., Feb., 1st. Took a ride with my chil- 
dren to Smithfleld, to visit my sister. We were all 
pleased, and loved our little cousin ' Harriet 
Newel,' Laura's first-born. I felt an affection for 
it, much like what I felt for my own. 

"^ Wed., Feh. 7th. Rev. Mr. Smith arrived, and 
is to preach a short time for us. His society is 
very instructive, and amply rewards us for what- 
ever trouble or expense we incur for his entertain- 
ment. 

^^ Sah., Feb. 11th. Have been much strength- 
ened in my wishes and hopes of being faithful to 
my children by two discourses which I have this 
day heard from Mr. Smith, on these words — ' Train 
up a child in the way it should go, and when he 
is old he will not depart from it.' He agrees with 



MRS. CLEMENT PAINE 235 

Mr. Williston, and many other divines, in suppos- 
ing that God has made a covenant with believers 
and their seed — that if believers are faithful to 
their children, he will convert every one of them. 

" Tlfiurs., Feb. 29th. The ' Luzerne Association ^ 
meet this week for the purpose of dismissing Mr. 
Wisner. This is a stroke which will leave our 
church low. This associaton is a body of emi- 
nently pious divines. A number of them, after 
their conversion, left lucrative employments, and 
devoted themselves to the less profitable business 
of the ministry. Some have had a public educa- 
tion, and the advantages of the ' Andover Theologi- 
cal Seminary.' 

" Mon., March 4:th. Had an opportunity of as- 
sisting by charity a soldier who had been wounded. 
His leg had been broken in three places, a ball 
had remained three weeks in the other knee, one 
eje lost, one ear cut in pieces, and a sabre wound in 
the side, in which were taken fourteen stitches. 
His countenance was very good, and it was gratify- 
ing to assist him. If it was done with a right 
motive, it was a pleasant way of laying up treas- 
ure in Heaven. 

'' Sat., Feb. 15th, 1817. The cold is very intense. 
Mr. Smith says it is the most severe winter we have 
had for forty-eight years. There are many suf- 
ferers on account of it. The extreme distress it 
brings is such as I have never known. Yesterday 
the cold was really terrifying. The streams being 
frozen, a famine almost prevails, and I am under 
serious apprehension that some will actually per- 
ish from want. We have baked our last bread, but 



236 EARLY TIMES 

it is not for myself that I fear. It is for those who 
have no bread, nor any other comfort, and many 
such there are around us. 

''Wed., Feb. l^th. Yesterday Mrs. Eeddington 
became the mother of three sons at a birth. 

"Wed., Feh. 26th. Mrs. Gregory watched with 
Mrs. R.'s last babe the night on which it died. Not 
one has been spared. 

" Sab., March 2d. Cold, famine, and pestilence 
seem every day to increase, and threaten desola- 
tion. The oldest person of our acquaintance re- 
members no such time. A mother thinly clad came 
three miles through the storm, to beg a trifle for 
her children to eat. I have partially relieved three 
families to-day. The one best provided for had 
nothing save some frozen potatoes and milk — a 
family of nine children. 

" Wed., March 5th. The very great and extreme 
severity of the weather has abated. It has been 
remarked by elderly people that such a severe 
winter has not been known since the year 1780." 

The drought and severity of the weather, of 
which Mrs. Paine speaks, were felt extensively 
through the country. The summer of 1816 was 
very cold. Snow fell for more than two hours 
on the 3d of June, and vegetation was cut off to an 
alarming extent. 

The drought and scarcity prevailed also through 
1817, 1818, and the effects were felt greatly through 
the winter of 1819. Many families suffered for 
want of food, and many cattle starved to death. 
They were frequently found leaning against the 
fence through weakness, and were often found dead 



MRS. CLEMENT PAINE 237 

in the fields. The oldest people then living knew 
of no such time of cold, and famine, and general 
calamity. 

Wells were dry and water scarce. The spots on 
the sun also added terror to suffering among the 
illiterate. It was a wonder how the poor sub- 
sisted, for the rich had barely the necessaries of 
life, and provisions could scarcely be obtained at 
any price. Some nearly perished from cold and 
want. One family had nothing but damaged tur- 
nips. Cold and famine, during the severity of 
February, 1817, seemed every day to increase, and 
were sometimes terrific. 

Abisha Price was greatly straitened for food 
for his family, and started out with his gun almost 
in despair, when he saw a fawn, and was upon 
the point of firing at it, but discovered that a wolf 
was approaching behind him. He turned and 
killed the wolf, then pursued the deer, killed and 
dressed it, and took it home to his family with a 
joyful heart. He went to Esq. Saltmarsh, made 
oath that he had killed the wolf, and obtained a 
certificate for which he received of the county treas- 
urer twelve dollars bounty. But for the success 
of this day, he said he could not have supplied 
his family through the season with the necessaries 
of life. 

'^ March 8th, 1817. We have just heard the 
mournful intelligence that a little son of Mr. Park 
was drowned under the ice in the Susquehanna 
Eiver." 

Not long after a little grandson of Major Flower 
was returning home, driving a horse before a 



228 ^ EARLY TIMES 

sleigh. They were all found drowned the next 
morning under the ice, where they had lain through 
the night. 

JOURNEY TO BRAINERD 

About 1818 the cause of Indian Missions engaged 
the attention of many in this part of the country, 
and several persons offered themselves to the Amer- 
ican Board of Missions, to be sent as missionaries 
to the Indians, and were accepted. Rev. Ord. Hoyt, 
of Wilkesbarre, was appointed to the superintend- 
'ence of the mission among the Cherokees. Soon 
after a location was made at Brainerd, on Mission 
Ridge, about ten miles up the Chickamauga Creek, 
and a few miles from Lookout Mountain. 

Here these devoted missionaries gathered a mis- 
-sion family, of more than a hundred natives, un- 
der their care, with schools, agricultural instruc- 
tions, and many religious privileges. The " Mission 
House," was built by the president. Mrs. Paine, 
possessing much of a missionary spirit, being ac- 
quainted with some of the missionaries, and hav- 
ing a high estimation of the advantages to be en- 
joyed there, proposed to her husband, who was in 
poor health, to remove South, in the neighborhood 
of the mission, where his health might be improved, 
and their children might receive the benefit of the 
establishment. The plan was matured to their 
mutual satisfaction, and after due arrangements, 
the family, consisting of the mother, four sons, and 
a servant girl, with a faithful man to take charge 
of them, commenced their journey, November, 
1820. Mr. Paine attended them as far as Fred- 



MRS. CLEMENT PAINE 239 

erick, Maryland, where they expected to meet some 
missionaries who were destined for Brainerd. 
Mrs. Paine's journal says, " While waiting there, 
Mr. Paine accompanied us to Washington. We 
heard the President's Message, and felt grateful 
for the interest taken in the poor natives. The 
address cannot fail to raise him in the estimation 
of the benevolent. After returning to Frederick, 
and not meeting with the missionaries, it was 
thought best for us to proceed. Mr. Paine was 
obliged to return to Athens, that he might settle 
some secular affairs, intending immediately to pros- 
ecute his journey to Brainerd on horseback. 

" While at Frederick we became acquainted with 
the Rev. Mr. Davidson, and heard him preach. One 
evening the conversation turned on Dr. Boudinot's 
' Star in the West.' Mr. Davidson said he had a 
friend who had greatly ridiculed the idea, yet 
wished to read the book, which he did without 
sleeping, ^nd before half finishing it became a con- 
vert to its doctrines." 

It was a favorite theme with Mrs. Paine that 
the natives of our country were the lost tribes of 
Israel. 

" We passed through Winchester, and Harper's 
Ferry, which Gen. Jones supposes a greater curi- 
osity than the Natural Bridge, appearing to be 
built in a large cleft of the rock through which the 
river passes. We saw the Natural Bridge also, so 
often described by others. From a projecting rock 
on the north side of it we had a view of this most 
fearful abyss, the bottom and each side of which 
are composed of limestone rock, so regularly 



240 EARLY TIMES 

wrought as to lead some to the absurd conclusion 
that the whole is a work of art, not of nature. I 
shudder at her temerity, who we were told ascended 
and turned three times round on a stump, so near 
the verge of this awful precipice that I dared 
not go within its reach. A gentleman described 
the Otter Peaks, a large pile of rocks on Blue 
Ridge. A rock weighing many tons was balanced 
on the top of another ; the surface of this rock was 
a space only large enough for two to stand upon, 
yet he saw a young lady ascend this place and 
dance there. Is there not a high degree of infidel- 
ity in thus trifling with death? We were willing 
to believe her the same foolish girl who performed 
at the Natural Bridge. We were much pleased 
with the hospitable treatment we received at the 
Bridge Tavern. The blacks at the house were 
treated with much kindness, and I was agreeably 
surprised in seeing one of them reading her Bible. 
I asked her where she had learned, sh^ said, ' At 
the Sabbath-school,' but added plaintively, 'We 
cannot have them any more.' I heard this lamen- 
tation from many a poor African. 

" As we approached Knoxville, we met with 
much kindness from several families, some of 
whom felt much interest in our object. These 
formed a perfect contrast to the conduct of one 
family where we spent the Sabbath. The landlord 
was a weak intemperate creature, and his wife, of 
course, had the command. They were in good cir- 
cumstances, but ignorant and profane. The fam- 
ily of blacks were numerous, and had nearly ob- 
tained the ascendency. The house was not large, 



MRS. CLEMENT PAINE 241 

we were obliged to occupy the bar-room. We felt 
ourselves on more than heathen ground. While 
the children of the family and the negroes formed 
a common group in playing ball and swearing, I 
collected my children around me and we alternately 
read aloud in our Bibles. I suppose our bigotry, 
as they would term it, was a subject of ridicule 
in the early part of the day, but after a time one 
and another came in to hear a story read, until a 
small audience of blacks and whites were collected 
around us. I felt much rejoiced in being able to 
command their attention, and selected the most 
entertaining and instructive accounts, and read 
chapters which described the doom of the wicked. 
Mrs. W. (the landlady) sighed often, I suppose at 
the small prospect of comfort in her husband or 
children which she had in this world or the next. 
" When leaving the well-cultivated and fruitful 
soil of Pennsylvania for the fertile regions of the 
South, we were greatly disappointed in finding a 
country comparatively barren. Yet we could not 
but ascribe this and almost every evil to slavery, 
that bane of happiness and of almost every good 
principle. There was to me a gloom overspreading 
each field and prospect, similar to what one might 
see in passing through a country desolated by the 
ravages of war; only this we might believe transi- 
tory, the former permanent. It seemed that the 
ground was doubly cursed for their sake, nor was 
the curse less discernible on the minds and man- 
ners of the oppressors. Idleness, that source of 
vice, was a predominant feature. One said to me, 
^ If you were to live here you would like our coun- 



242 EARLY TIMES 

try better than any you ever saw, and slaves save 
so much drudgery.' True, but this drudgery is gen- 
erally left undone! The remark was often made 
that the slaves did not half support themselves. 
I believe that an income of five hundred dollars 
at the North might support a family more com- 
fortably than fifteen hundred dollars the owner 
of twenty slaves. 

" We found the poor slaves very grateful for the 
least instruction. I asked myself if the perishing 
souls of these blacks were not also valuable, and 
if these wretched abodes were not Mission Ground, 
such I was resolved to consider them; here to be- 
gin my labors, and to lose no opportunity of tell- 
ing them that they had souls most precious, to 
be saved by faith in the Redeemer. 

"At one place we saw four small children, the 
eldest eight years old, and their mother was dead. 
These had lately been purchased of their master 
for one thousand dollars. 

" We saw an encampment of nearly one hundred 
negroes waiting to bury one of their companions, 
now in the agonies of death from the effect of 
poison administered by one of his comrades with 
whom he had a quarrel. The overseer said his 
master would not have taken two thousand dollars 
for him. We visited the dying man's tent; his 
wife and children surrounded his bed in much af- 
fliction. I asked his wife if she thought him pre- 
pared for death. ' O yes, madam, through the 
merits of our Lord and Saviour, I trust he is.' She 
seemed to speak this with the heart and under- 
standing. A poor decrepit gray-headed negro stood 



MRS. CLEMENT PAINE MS 

by. I asked him if he was prepared to die. He re- 
plied, ' O no, I don't think I am.' This poor 
creature without hope of a happy future, did not 
look as if he could survive the fatigue of a journey 
to Alabama, whither the overseer said he was tak- 
ing the crew for trade. One who made a good ap- 
pearance asked me to walk into her dw^elling. This 
was the first which did not seem like an abode of 
wretchedness. It was neat and fancifully fitted 
up with curtains and good beds. She said she had 
been owned by many masters, and that all her 
children were sold. ' At first it almost broke my 
heart,' said she, ' but I am case hardened.' I in- 
quired if there were any Christians on the planta- 
tions. She told me of one who was very good, 
whom his master and mistress and all loved. Soon 
after, I saw the gray-headed negro almost bent 
double with age and infirmity, but his countenance 
was expressive of a benevolent heart, and peace 
of conscience. I said to him, ' They tell me you are 
a very good Christian.' ' O no, mistress,' he re- 
plied, ' we read there is none good but God.' I 
found this poor slave an intelligent humble fol- 
lower of Christ. It was most delightful to see 
their sufferings thus ameliorated. 

" Instances were not unfrequent of mothers be- 
ing sent from Virginia to Alabama, leaving a fam- 
ily of little children at home, and in these cases 
they were inconsolable. These bands were gen- 
erally chained through fear of opposition. In 
some of them mulattoes might be seen, said to 
have been sold by their own fathers! 

" It must not be supposed that all alike were 



244 EARLY TIMES 

wretched; we saw many whose slaves were treated 
well, were well fed and clothed, yet they cost their 
owners far more than they could earn. 

" A runaway slave had been taken up on the plan- 
tation of Widow A. Young Atkins came in and 
said, ' Well, we put the fellow to torture, and he 
has confessed who his master is. He is a likely 
young fellow,' said he, ' and we could not think of 
putting him in jail, as there was one there already 
who had been taken up for a runaway, and 
placed there until his master should come, but his 
feet were frozen, as he had no fire or blanket.' 
I expressed my horror, regretting that we had 
passed the jail fifteen miles, and could not leave 
him one, Mrs. Atkins said this was nothing, that 
three years ago a black fellow was condemned to 
be hanged for stealing a horse which he rode only 
three miles, that he was put in jail at Wythe, 
where he lay during the winter without fire or 
blanket, and when taken in the spring to the gal- 
lows, the blood and water dropped from his legs 
and feet, which had been frozen to his knees; and 
his toes dropped off! Fain would I have disbe- 
lieved this dreadful story, w^hich was confirmed by 
two or three of the family. 

" One more account shall close this catalogue of 
woes. Our landlord in one place related the fol- 
lowing : — 

" A black fellow on the allowance of only one 
peck of corn a week had been able to split one 
hundred rails each day. His master came to him 
and said, ' I have laid a bet that you can to-morrow 
split two hundred and twenty rails, cannot you 



MRS. CLEMENT PAINE 245 

gain it? ' He said, ' I do not know, master, but 
will try.' He rose early and by great exertion ac- 
complished it. His master instead of rewarding 
him with approbation, sa^^s, ' I know now you can, 
and you shall accomplish this every day.' He tried 
but was not able to finish the task, and was severely 
beaten. On the third day he fell short still farther, 
and was again beaten, with his short allowance of 
food, and repeated chastisements. At length he was 
not able to finish one hundred. His master in a 
rage approached to beat him, when the negro seized 
him by the throat and strangled him to death, for 
which, adds our landlord, ' I saw him hung.' I 
heard many slaveholders lament that a black had 
ever come from Africa. They know not what can 
be done with them. 

" We had not ceased to travel any day since leav- 
ing Frederick, excepting on the Sabbath, and until 
within thirty-two miles of Brainerd. Here the 
rain had rendered the creeks impassable, and we 
were compelled to wait three days. Our host and 
hostess were amiable and very kind, but with their 
poor management indoors and out, they could 
neither make us or themselves comfortable, though 
living on a farm which in New England could 
have supported a family in good style. Their 
house was without an outer door, or one pane of 
glass, and unfurnished with shovel, tongs, and- 
irons, or tea-kettle, with very few chairs, and little 
table furniture. 

" We learned here many things about the mis- 
sionaries. Our host said they were doubtless the 
best people that ever came into their country. We 



246 EARLY TIMES 

were now on Cherokee lands, tlie appearance of 
which was very pleasant, there being no under- 
brush in the woods, and the traveler could pro- 
ceed without interruption. 

" We took leave of our hospitable friends as soon 
as we could proceed with safety. But we found 
the creeks much swollen and ourselves in peril 
several times. I clasped my children in my arms, 
but could not have saved them had we overset, as 
the horses could hardly stand in the swift current. 
Can we ever forget the good hand of our God 
which carried us through! We spent a comfort- 
able night in a little hut near the creek, and the 
next night we trusted would bring us to our place 
of destination. 

" We crossed the Tennessee through much dan- 
ger in a boat which was said to be old and doubt- 
ful. The river had not been so high in many years. 
My fears were wholly allayed by a deep impression 
of these words, 'It is I, he not afraid.' After this 
I enjoyed the sublime scene. We passed the last 
habitation between us and the mission, but near 
sunset we found ourselves in a dark forest, the 
rain falling in torrents to which we were wholly 
exposed, and the evil was greatly increased when 
we arrived at a high hill, which with much fatigue 
and dif&culty we ascended. To our great joy at 
length we saw a light glimmering on the left. We 
had arrived at the consecrated spot. All appeared 
happy, the doors of each cabin near the mission 
were open, in each of which was a blazing fire, 
around which the Cherokee boys were playing mer- 
rily. We passed by these cabins and entered the 



MRS. CLEMENT PAINE Ml 

mission house, where we were received with much 
cordiality and surprise by the family. We were 
introduced to a room where was a long table, 
around which several well-dressed Cherokee girls 
were sitting at work, each with her work-basket 
before her. A good supper was quickly prepared, 
and we were most agreeably surprised in finding 
some luxuries to which we thought we had bid 
adieu. After this happy interview we retired to 
bed. We were led to a chamber neatly furnished, 
where we found a good fire. All these things ex- 
ceeded my expectations. I felt sentiments of grati- 
tude to the dear missionaries, and was truly 
thankful to this great Giver of all. 

" I shudder at the recollection of all our dan- 
gers, the more on account of the children, and I 
love these young soldiers for their patience and 
perseverance. 

" Having one female attendant and four sons, I 
used sometimes to think of Christiana in Bunyan's 
* Pilgrim's Progress.' Our sleep was very sweet 
this night. The early bell called upon us to rise, 
and the bell for prayers summoned us to the din- 
ing-room, and here I had the satisfaction of seeing 
the mission family, the precious property of the 
Christian public and of the American Board. More 
than ninety interesting Cherokee children were 
assembled for prayers. A portion of Scripture was 
read, we heard those children of the forest sing the 
praises of our God, and bowed with them the knee 
to Jehovah. The children of the school we ever 
found most affectionate and interesting; the na- 
tives have minds superior to slavery, nor can any 



248 EARLY TIMES 

tyrant subject them, yet they own many slaves 
whom they treat with kindness. We found the 
minds of the children most susceptible of improve- 
ment. Religious instruction did not seem like a 
tale twice told. Their books were their delight, 
and they seemed to realize their advantages as 
something new, and which might not always be 
enjoyed, 

" Charles Hicks is well-known as a Christian 
and as chief of the nation. He had two sons and 
a daughter in the school. The latter was an inter- 
esting, superior girl ; her form was elegant, and she 
possessed much genuine wit, which afforded us all 
much entertainment. I had the satisfaction of see- 
ing her improve in her temper, which was at first 
quite ungovernable, and with the utmost joy I saw 
this dear girl enter an apartment where I was sit- 
ting one evening without a light, and kneel down 
and pray with much earnestness. 

" Little Harriet Newel I loved much; she was an 
interesting sweet child, but easily offended, which 
she manifested by pouting. I gave her a cake 
which being broken displeased her. She turned 
away without accepting it, haughty and straight 
as an arrow, but reflecting turned with a charming 
smile, received her cake, and said, ' Mrs. Paine, I 
will give you my basket,' — her only treasure. 

" Wit, beauty, and genius are not unusual 
among these children of the forest. 

" Delilah Fields I had reason to think was a 
Christian. I had brought some presents from the 
school of Miss G. at Athens for the school here. I 
requested Delilah to write them a letter. One 



MRS. CLEMENT PAINE 249 

evening she came into my room and said she would 
write. I gave her pen and paper, but she said 
^ she did not know what to write.' I dictated the 
first sentence, and turned to my own engagement. 
In about half an hour she brought me her letter 
finished. Very few children would have written 
as well, for she was not twelve years old. It could 
hardly be believed that a child of her age who had 
been at school but two years could write this. It 
was published in the Religious Intelligencer, and 
I have since seen it in the Missionary Herald. 

" John Newton was supposed to be a Christian. 
He was only twelve years old. He was not only 
loved but respected. There was a degree of dignity 
in his manners which I rarely if ever saw in a 
youth of his age. In the coldest morning when 
called to prayers, while many of the children were 
trying to secure themselves a good seat, or wrap- 
ping themselves warmly in their blankets, without 
a choice of seat or a blanket, John Newton, regard- 
less of the cold, with his eyes fixed on the reader, 
paid the closest attention to what was. read and to 
prayers. He was brother to Harriet Newel. 
Neither of them had any mixture of white blood. 
I have often admired their bravery, and their in- 
difference to their food, nor did it afflict them to 
lose a meal. Excellent fish were plenty, and the 
boys were fond of fishing. There were formerly 
no grist-mills in the nation. Thej are in the habit 
of hulling corn and making conahenna. This is 
made by pounding the corn, wetting it with lye, 
then boiling it several hours until it becomes about 
the consistency of gruel. We could hardly have 



250 EARLY TIMES 

supported the table without this dish. We also 
had meat, corn bread, and wheat bread, and some- 
times a pudding. Our toil was very great, there 
being but three sisters able to do any part of the 
mission labor. After my children became inured 
to the fare of the mission table, they were healthy 
and contented. They were greatly amused by fre- 
quent excursions about the grounds, and much 
pleased with the hospitality of the Cherokees. 

" Marriage is quite customary in their nation, 
but formerly was but little known. A gentleman 
from Georgia four years ago passed through the 
nation, and again last year. He says their im- 
provement as a nation is astonishing. Many of 
them live in good style. The women spin and the 
men cultivate the lands. The first class of the men 
wore fine broadcloth and appear like gentlemen. 
Ross was a chief, kept a store and post-office. 
Their connections were numerous and respectable, 
and lived in brick houses." 

Mrs. Paine received some intimation from her 
husband that the state of his health was such he 
would not be able to endure the journey as had 
been proposed. She writes, " Mr. Paine began his 
journey to Brainerd, but was unable to prosecute 
it, which rendered our return necessary. A man 
was sent commissioned and prepared to remove 
myself and children again to Pennsylvania. There 
was no doubt in the minds of our pious friends at 
Athens, there was no doubt in the minds of the 
missionaries, nor could there be any in my own 
mind as to the duty of returning. We left the mis- 
sion, April 3, 1821, with feelings of the deepest re- 



MRS. CLEMENT PAINE 251 

gret, which could only be soothed by the prospect 
of meeting a husband and a father. The mission- 
aries and the children affectionately assembled in 
the piazza, where a prayer was made and a parting 
hymn sung. We took leave of the children in- 
dividually, some of whom wept aloud. 

" Mr. Paine expected if his health admitted to 
meet us in Virginia. Our expedition was greater 
than we had anticipated, and it was not until we 
arrived in Pennsylvania, on the first of May, that 
we saw him pensively riding down a long hill, and 
fording a river, without observing us, until one of 
the children grasping his hand says, ' Pa, we are 
all here.' Merciful Father, how great was thy 
mercy and goodness which enabled us to say, ' We 
are all here.' " 

Mrs. Paine's life was that of a uniformly de- 
voted Christian, always watching for opportunities 
for usefulness. Even after her hand was palsied 
in her last sickness, she commenced a note to a 
friend, which she could not finish, recommending 
an object for the benefit of youth, that would be 
elevating and instructive. But the map of the 
Celestial city was ever before her, and when the 
messenger called for her to go thither, she was not 
surprised. She calmly said, " I have done with the 
world, I have nothing more to do. To look back, 
all is darkness, but," pointing upward, " yonder, 
yonder up there, all is bright, beautiful, beautiful. 
There is the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost." 

Death is welcome to those who have nothing to 
do but to die. She closed her mortal existence, 
Oct. 6, 1834, in full faith in the Resurrection. 



252 EARLY TIMES 

" Christ the first fruits, afterward they that are 
Christ's at his coming." A beautiful poem she 
wrote on this subject, some years before her death, 
may be appropriate to insert. 

THE RESURRECTION OF A GOD. 

Twice had the sun in darkness left the world, 
And twice had night her sable robes unfurled, 
And anxious nature in susijeuse yet stood, 
Death held his scepter o'er the Son of God ! 

The hours in solemn silence passed away, 
The guards were waiting the approach of day, 
The midnight moon gleamed on the extended spears. 
Their helmets still reflected back to stars. 

At length the day-star blushed around the east. 
And cast her beauteous beams on distant west ; 
Sweet morn once more dispelled the gloom of night. 
The azure sky again was dressed in light. 

When, lo ! convulsions shake th^ solid ground, 
Spreading confusion and dismay around ! 
A glorious angel swift descends from heaven. 
The guards fell backward, from his presence driven! 

His face divine beams with immortal glow, 
His form celestial, garments white as snow ; 
The seal was broke ; the stone was rolled away, 
Angelic guards the wondrous work survey. 

The seal of death was broke, the work was done. 
The angel sat upon the ponderous stone ; 
Death from the sepulcher shrunk back to hell, 
The awful news of ruin there to tell ! 

But who is this, arising now, comes forth 
In robes of blood and garments dyed in death? 
In awful majesty, lo ! see him come 
Divine and lovely from the yielding tomb. 



MRS. CLEMENT PAINE 25^ 

O Zion ! 'tis your king — ye Christians tell, 

This is your God, who broke the powers of hell ; 

For you, the wine-press he hath trod alone, 

For you, the vengeance of his God hath known! 

And now behold the resurrection morn. 
Angels behold the first of nature born! 
He rises conqueror from the cruel grave, 
He comes, O guilty man ! with power to save. 

Ne'er did the world behold the rising sun. 

In glory thus victorious return ; 

The morning stars with joy together sang, 

The echoing sound o'er heaven's wide concave rang. 

The God of mercy from his throne looked down 
Well pleased that through the atonement of his Son, 
He could be just and on redemption's plan. 
Save guilty, — ruined — yet still favorite man ! 

Soon shall the deserts blossom and rejoice. 
Soon will the nations raise their tuneful voice ; 
From distant heathen lands — from shore to shore, 
The Babe of Bethlehem sing — the triune God adore. 
Athens, August 7, 1829. A. P. 

NOTE OR CONCLUSION. 

There are doubtless many interesting facts connected with 
the history of Athens that have not come to the knowledge of 
the writer. 

It is not claimed that the record is all that could be desired ; 
it is hoped, however, that it may aid in a future and more 
complete history of the country in this vicinity, whenever 
another hand shall undertake the task. 

Note. — Chickamauga was a reservation of the Cherokee 
nation, containing twelve thousand square miles, guaranteed to 
them by the United States government ; two-thirds of which lay 
in the northwest part of Georgia. Brainerd, the first mission- 
ary establishment of the American Board among the Cherokees, 
was made in 1817, on what has been since called Mission Ridge, 
much noted in the late war, and within the bounds of the res- 
ervation, with farmers, merchants, physcian, and teachers, to 



254 EARLY TIMES 

instruct the natives, and introduce among them habits of in- 
dustry and civilized life. 

The mission was in successful operation until the laws of 
Georgia were extended over them. Two of the missionaries 
were imprisoned for refusing to take the oath of allegiance to 
the State of Georgia. They were taken from their fields of 
labor, by armed soldiers, and immured in the penitentiary for a 
year and four months. 

The lands of the Cherokees were surveyed and divided into 
farms, and distributed by lottery among the inhabitants of the 
State. The United States also took the 8,000,000 of acres of 
land, paying them the sum of $500,000, and removed them 
beyond the Mississippi. Such were the hardships they endured 
when journeying to their new homes that one-fourth of them 
died on the way. 

They were removed across the Mississippi in 1827, '28, and 
'29, numbering more than 20,000 when they left Georgia. Many 
of the missionaries went with them. They are now called a 
Christian nation. — Vermont Chronicle. 

Note. — Near the close of the late war, a gentleman from 
Chicago with two officers from Chattanooga, visited the old 
Brainerd Mission Station on Mission Ridge, seven miles east of 
Lookout Mountain. The mission-house and mill are still re- 
maining. In a clump of trees near by is the old mission grave- 
yard. The monument of Dr. Worcester, whose dust has been 
removed to New England, is in a state of preservation, and the 
inscription plain. He died while on a visit of kindness to the 
Cherokee people. 

Mr. Vail, who went as a missionary farmer in 1819, is the 
only remaining representative of the mission, now living near 
Chattanooga, and is an elder in the church at that place, the 
church being composed, in part, of members from the original 
Congregational Church at Brainerd. The gentlemen were 
greatly interested in Mr. Vail.' — Missionary Herald, 1866. 




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<\J gj rj (\) tsj ftj csj 



APPENDIX NO. I 



In 1828 Colonel John Franklin, of Athens, Pennsylvania, pre- 
pared a series of articles, which were published in the Toivanda 
Republican. The number for February 14th of that year, con- 
taining the account of the Battle of Wyoming, will no doubt be 
read with interest, coming from that remarkable man. 

As I was living in Huntington, upwards of 20 miles 
from Wilkesbarre, from the 1st of June, 1777, to the 3d 
day of July, 1778, and although I can state the facts, I 
cannot name the dates of all those transactions. 

The inhabitants in their respective districts erected forts 
to resort to for defense in case of an invasion. Two forts 
were erected in Exeter, one at Wintermoots, and the other 
at Jenkins, at the Lackawanna ferry. Some time in June 
two or three men were murdered up the river above the 
forts in Exeter, by Indians or Tories. Application was 
then made to the Board of War for Captain Spalding with 
his company to be sent to Wyoming to defend the inhab- 
itants; orders were given for that purpose. The company 
was at that time with a Pennsylvania regiment at or near 
Valley Forge, when the orders were received for them to 
return to Wyoming. But probably from the influence 
of Pennsylvania Tories, or others who were opposed to 
the inhabitants holding the country under the jurisdic- 
tion of Connecticut, or as was suspected from some evil 
design, the company was not permitted to return immedi- 
ately to Wyoming, but were kept with the regiment and 
marched a different course for several days and were finally 
discharged at Lancaster, from which place they marched 

255 



256 APPENDIX NO. I 

for Wyoming, and arrived at Shoop's Inn, in Northamp- 
ton County, about 30 miles from Wyoming, on the even- 
ning of the 3d of July, the day on which the massacre took 
place. Had they not been thus detained, they would have 
been at Wyoming at least six days before the battle was 
fought. 

Having satisfactory information that an army was on 
their way to invade the settlements. Colonels Butler and 
Denison, with six companies of militia, and Captain 
Hewit's company, marched some distance up the river 
the last day of June, with a design to meet the enemy and 
attack them before they reached the settlements below, but 
returned without discovering any except two Indians, who, 
having their retreat cut off, attempted their escape by swim- 
ming the river. Lieutenant Eoswell Franklin and another 
person pursued them with a canoe, and dispatched them 
with their setting poles in the river. It appeared that 
the body of the enemy, to prevent being discovered, had 
marched through the woods back of the mountains some 
distance from the river settlements. It was well ascer- 
tained that the Wintermoots and some others had driven 
cattle over the mountains to feed the enemy when on the 
way. Having ascertained that the enemy were not far 
distant, the inhabitants resorted to their respective forts 
with their women and children; those in the neighborhood 
of Wintermoots resorted to that fort, where Daniel Inger- 
soU, who resided in the neighborhood, took the command. 

On the first day of July two of the Wintermoots left 
their fort and went over the mountain on pretense of 
making a discovery; they returned to the fort ven'- quietly 
in the evening, and called for entrance. The gate was 
opened when the villains led Colonel John Butler with his 
army of Tories and Indians into the fort, and the few inno- 
cent families who had resorted there for safety were made 
prisoners. On the morning of the 2d July a detach- 



APPENDIX NO. I 25T 

ment of the enemy marched to Jenkins' fort, where the few 
families in that neighborhood had resorted for safety, not 
being able to defend themselves, surrendered, and the 
enemy took possession of the fort and made prisoners of 
its inmates. 

July 2d, at nine o'clock in the evening, I was at Hunt- 
ington, a mile from home at a neighbor's, when I received 
by an express the following letter : — 

" Kingston, 2d of July, 1778. 
" To Capt. John Franklin. — Sir, you are commanded 
to appear forthwith, with your company, at the Forty fort, 
in Kingston. Don't let your women and children detain 
you, for I don't think there is any danger at present, for 
the enemy have got possession of Wintermoots fort, and 
I conclude they mean to attack us next. You will act as 
you think prudent about ordering the women and children 
to move to Salem; but you must not wait one moment to 
assist them. 

"Nathan Denison, Colonel." 

" To Capt. Whittlesey, 

" You are desired to forward the above with all possible 
expedition; don't let anything detain this — press a horse 
if needed. 

"]!^athan Denison, Colonel" 

My company lived scattering — a part in Huntington 
and the remainder along the river from Shickshinne to 
near Berwick — the greatest number however lived in Sa- 
lem. The letter was copied and sent to my lieutenant, 
Stoddard Bowen, at Salem, with directions to have him 
meet me at Shickshinne early the next morning, with all 
of the company that could be collected in that quarter; 
notice was also given to every family in Huntington. Two 



258 APPENDIX NO. I 

of the company from Huntington were at that time in 
Shawney, and three at Shickshinne. 

Early in the morning, July 3d, I took my family to a 
neighbor's house, where I met with six men, all that could 
leave Huntington with safety to the women and children. 
We marched to Shickshinne. Lieutenant Bowen had been 
there, and taken with him three men who were there, and 
had been gone an hour ; he had left a sergeant to collect the 
men in Salem and follow him. We had gone but a short 
distance when we met an express (Benj. Harvey) with 
a letter from Lieut. Col. George Dorrance, informing 
me that "the Tories and Indians, about 600 in num- 
ber were in possession of Wintermoots fort — that he ex- 
pected they would attack Kingston next, and requested my 
assistance, with my company, with all possible speed.^' 
He had also written a few lines to a Captain Clingman, 
who was then stationed at Fort Jenkins, near Fishing 
€reek, with 90 men, requesting his assistance with his 
company at Kingston. I also underwrote a few lines to 
the same purport. 

When we reached the garrison at Shawney, we had in- 
formation direct from Kingston that Colonels Butler and 
Denison with all their forces had left the fort and formed 
a line at Abraham's Creek, a short distance from the fort, 
and did not expect an attack from the enemy until the 
next morning. Prom that information I left part of the 
men I had with me to wait a short time for the arrival of 
the residue of the company from Salem. I marched on 
with four others, and when we came opposite to Wilkes- 
barre we heard the firing, not heavy, but scattering. We 
hastened on with all speed, and found on arriving at Kings- 
ton fort that a battle had been fought, and Colonels Butler 
and Denison with 15 or 20 others had in their retreat 
gained the fort. Colonel Butler tarried there but a very 
short time, when he crossed the river to Wilkesbarre. From 



APPENDIX NO. I 259 

Colonel Denison and others I got the following particulars. 
The enemy having possession of the two upper forts, 
it was expected they would attack Kingston next. Five 
companies of militia, to wit : three from the east side of the 
river and two from the west, with Captain Hewit's com- 
pany, were collected at Kingston fort. In consequence of 
the enemy being in possession of the upper forts, no assist- 
ance could be had from the inhabitants in that quarter. 
The enemy had taken possession of all the water craft at 
Jenkins' ferry so that the Lackawanna company com- 
manded by Captain Jeremiah Blancher, had no way of 
getting to Kingston unless by going down on the east side 
of the river and crossing at the fort, and leaving their 
families behind where they might have fallen an easy 
prey to the enemy. 

The precise number collected at Kingston fort was not 
ascertained. I am, however, confident from my own knowl- 
edge that the whole number, including Captain Hewit's 
company, did not exceed 300 men. I knew every man that 
was in the battle from Shawney; their whole number was 
only 44; a small number from each company was left in 
their respective forts to guard the women and children. 

On the morning of July 3d Daniel Ingersoll, then a 
prisoner in Wintermoots fort, was sent by Colonel John 
Butler, commander of the enemy, with a flag to Kingston 
iort, proposing to Colonels Butler and Denison that on con- 
dition of surrendering without bloodshed, he would give 
them good terms of capitulation; a surrender was refused 
and the flag returned with information accordingly. 

After the flag returned. Colonels Butler and Denison, 
with all their forces, left the fort and formed a line at 
Abraham's Creek, with a view of attacking the enemy be- 
fore they reached the fort; that in case they were not able 
to hold their ground they could retreat to the fort. Cap- 
tain McCarragan, of the Hanover company, gave up the 



260 APPENDIX NO. I 

command to Captain Lazarus Stewart, an old warrior, and 
went with him. Lieutenant Lazarus Stewart, Jr., went 
on as a volunteer in the same company. 

Some short time after the middle of the day it was dis- 
covered that the enemy were burning all the settlements 
above, and collecting all the cattle within their reach; but 
from appearance it was apprehended that they would not 
risk an attack upon Kingston, but would burn, plunder, 
and destroy all the upper settlements, and would probably 
cross the river to Lackawanna, and take possession of that 
fort, destroy the settlement, and probably massacre the 
people or make them prisoners and return back with their 
booty from whence they came. To prevent which it was 
proposed by some of the officers to go and attack them on 
their own ground, which was finally agreed to, though re- 
luctantly by some. Colonel Denison informed me that he 
said as much against it as he could say, without being 
called a coward. It was his wish to wait for more strength 
— for the arrival of my company, which he expected would 
be on the following morning, and further for the arrival 
of Captain Spalding's company, as Lieutenant Timothy 
Pierce arrived with information that the company were 
on the way, and would probably arrive on Sunday for their 
assistance; but fearing that it would then be too late, that 
the enemy would draw off with their booty before any 
further assistance could be had, it was determined to at- 
tack them. 

Captains Durkee and Eansom, Lieutenants Eoss and 
Welles, with a select party, marched forward as the ad- 
vance, and formed the line of battle; Captain Hewit's 
company on the right, and Captain Whittlesey's company 
on the left. When they came in sight of the enemy, they 
were in a body about Wintermoots fort; but they instantly 
formed a line across the plain, covered with trees and brush 
to a swamp on their right. Colonels Butler and Denison 



APPENDIX NO. I 261 

with their small forces advanced to a line drawn for action, 
to meet the enemy, who were at least double their number. 
The battle now commenced, and the firing was heavy for 
about 30 minutes; the left wing of the enemy was forced 
back, and Captain Hewit's company and others on our 
right wing had gained about 30 rods of ground, the enemy 
breaking before them. Our left wing held their ground, 
and victory over our enemies was considered sure, when 
it was discovered that the Indians were advancing round 
in the swamp to surround our left wing, when orders were 
given to flank off to the left to prevent being surrounded; 
but through mistake it was said that orders were given 
to retreat off to the left, and some person (probably through 
fear), cried out that Colonel Denison had given orders for 
the left wing to retreat — they gave back, and the Indians 
set up a hideous yell and advanced. Attempts were made 
by the officers to prevent retreating, and to bring them up 
to face the enemy and to stand their ground, but in vain; 
the word " retreat," though not intended, proved fatal — a 
general retreat taking place. The left wing first giving 
way, when the right wing was advancing, their retreat 
was cut off by the bend in the river below. The savage 
Indians, and Tories of a more savage nature, rushed on 
with their guns and tomahawks; the slaughter became 
dreadful; the greatest number that escaped the slaughter 
was by crossing the river; numbers were killed in the river 
in attempting to cross, numbers surrendered on the promise 
of good quarters — in one particular case about 30 got into 
the river in company, where they were fired upon by the 
Indians and Tories, and several were killed, when they pro- 
posed to the survivors that if they would come to shore 
and surrender themselves they should not be injured — 
that their lives should be spared. Trusting to these prom- 
ises, 15 in number returned back to the shore and sur- 
rendered themselves prisoners; they were led off some 



262 APPENDIX NO. I 

distance to the road, where they were set down in a ring 
facing each other, with an Indian to the back of each one, 
to hold them down, when the old sqnaw. Queen Esther, 
followed round the ring to the right with a death maul, 
with which she broke their skulls. Among these prisoners 
was William Buck, a lad about 15 years old, a son of 
Lieutenant Asahel Buck; he was not held, and seeing the 
old squaw killing the prisoners, with her death maul, he 
started and ran off crying; he was pursued by an Indian, 
who took him and flattered him that as he was a white- 
headed boy he should not be. hurt. But while he was lead- 
ing him up to the ring, another Indian came behind him 
and struck a tomahawk into his head and put an end to his 
life. Lebeus Hammon, being a stout man, a large Indian 
stood behind him with his hands on his shoulders to pre- 
vent his rising. Seeing but one man on his left to receive 
the fatal blow before his turn should come, he concluded 
that he could but die, and that he might as well make an 
attempt to save his life as to sit still and receive the fatal 
blow from the death maul of the old Queen, gave a sudden 
spring — arose from the ground and knocked the Indian 
down that was holding him, ran into the woods, pursued 
by two Indians, but turning one side from his course 
under cover of a tree, and a bunch of brush, the Indians 
ran by a short distance, when he changed his course 
through the woods and escaped with his life. The other 
fourteen were killed, stripped, and scalped, and left lying 
in the ring with their feet towards each other. 

I was informed by a man who escaped the slaughter, 
that a man of the name of Calwell, in Captain "Whittlesey's 
company on the left wing, was killed in the commence- 
ment of the action, and that he was the only one of that 
company that fell until they commenced their retreat. And 
from the best account that could be had from those that 
made their escape, and from examining the ground, the 



APPENDIX NO. I 263 

greatest number that were slain had surrendered them- 
selves prisoners on the promise of their lives being spared 
and were afterwards inhumanly massacred. 



LAND TEANSFERS 

The following is a record of the transfer of certain lots of 
land in the village of Athens. 

Title— 1789— April 13th. 

Solomon Bennett to Andreas Budd, the grantor for value 
received gives up all his right and title to a certain lot of 
land lying on Tioga Point, know as Number 6, containing 
nine and three-quarters acres. 

Title. 

John Franklin to Andreas Budd, 30th March, 1793; 
consideration, three pounds. 

Eight of lot of land lying and being in Athens aforesaid, 
and being in that part of said Athens called the town plot, 
and being lot Number 40, the first division of lots in said 
Athens. 

Said lot bounded northerly, on a piece of land laid out 
for public use; westwardly on a highway laid out through 
the town plot; eastwardly on Susquehanna Eiver. Said 
lot being 6 rods wide on a north and south line. 

Title. 

Andreas Budd to Elisha Mathewson, 17th June, 1795, 
conveys both these lots for eighty pounds. 



APPENDIX NO. II. 



THE INDIANS OF TIOGA POINT.* 

Interest in the Indian races, their characteristics and 
habits of life, is enhanced by the fact that their origin 
and much of their history are veiled in obscurity. This, 
however, proves an incentive to search more diligently, and 
treasure more scrupulously every item of definite informa- 
tion in regard to the nations who have gone before us. 

The relics which the earth gives up afford but little 
that is reliable to reward the antiquarian, hence specula- 
tion and conjecture too often take the place of that cer- 
tainty which may be reached among the nations where 
there has been a written language, however meager and 
difficult of interpretation. 

Charlevoix, the French historian, in 1721 remarked, in 
speaking of the Indians, "We seem to be just where we 
were before this great and interesting question began to 
be agitated." He adds, " To see one is to see all." 

There does, indeed, appear to be a great similarity among 
the Indian nations in regard to their rude implements, 
their manner of warfare, their training to deeds of bravery 
and valor, their hunting, games and amusements, in their 
hospitality and kindness to friends, their unrelenting 
cruelty to enemies, their indolence in peace, energy and 

* Written for the Woman's National Science Club, Washing- 
ton, D. C, January, 1898, by Sarah Perkins Elmer. As it bears 
upon this locality, it is here introduced. 

264 



APPENDIX NO. II 265 

endurance in war. While these universal habits and char- 
acteristics incline the white man to look upon an Indian 
as an Indian only, with little to mark the individuality or 
race, among themselves there were always wide and quickly 
perceived differences. They were keen in discriminating 
between the nations, tribes, and clans. An Andaste would 
scent a Mohawk from afar, and the piercing eye of the 
Iroquois was quick to discover his trembling vassal. 

The dying embers on the hearthstone, an almost oblite- 
rated sign or mark, or foot-prints on the fallen leaves, 
were full of meaning which the Indian would recognize at 
a glance, but would be beyond the discovery or interpreta- 
tion of the white man. 

Our special interest at this time is in the tribes who 
formerly inhabited the section of country near the boundary 
line of New York and Pennsylvania, and on the Susque- 
hanna Eiver. There is nowhere to be found a spot more 
replete with Indian association than is the little promon- 
tory extending from New York for five miles into Pennsyl- 
vania. The Susquehanna on the east, and the old Tioga, 
now Chemung, Eiver on the west, where once was the 
Indian town of Deahoga and where the white settlement 
was subsequently called Tioga Point — but unfortunately 
is laid down on the maps as "Athens," so named by an 
ambitious traveler, who fancied a resemblance to the classic 
city of the same name. 

Who were the early inhabitants of this beautiful valley? 
What races of people early loved its streams, its wooded 
hills? These are questions of absorbing interest. 

The eastern Indian tribes claimed to have come from 
the west, that far back in an unknown period the Dela- 
wares or Lenape and the Minquas or Andastes were com- 
panions in their wanderings, and that the Delawares located 
on the river which took the same name, and the Andastes 
on the Susquehanna. 



266 APPENDIX NO. II 

When this migration occurred there is no way of de- 
termining. 

According to a tradition as given by the Bureau of Indian 
Ethnology "the Andastes, on the Susquehanna, prior to 
1600, during a ten years' war, almost exterminated the 
Mohawks/' In 1608 Captain Smith found them still con- 
tending with one another, the Andastes or Susquehannocks 
ruling over all the Algonquin tribes, and in 1647 they were 
able to supply the Hurons with 1300 warriors in their 
terrible conflicts with the Iroquois. — From the first the 
ancient Andastes were knovsm as a race of desperate war- 
riors. It is said of them that they, " When fighting never 
fled, but stood like a wall as long as there was one re- 
maining." — In 1652 a war broke out between these fierce 
warriors and the Senecas which lasted twenty years. In- 
deed, for three-quarters of a century they waged an almost 
unceasing war with the Iroquois, by which the "whole 
valley of the Susquehanna was stained with blood." One 
of the Jesuit Fathers (as given by Parkman) exclaimed, 
" May God preserve the Andastes ; none but they can curb 
the pride of the Iroquois." Indeed, no other nation so 
bravely defended themselves against this great confederacy. 

The Delawares were conquered by the powerful Andastes 
or Susquehannocks, who, in turn, were subdued as a nation 
by the invincible Iroquois about 1674, and those not de- 
stroyed remained a conquered nation on their own terri- 
tory, the Susquehanna River, but in 1763, after nearly a 
century of humiliation, the last of the once powerful Sus- 
quehannocks or Conestogas, as they were also called, were 
cruelly murdered at Lancaster, Pa., where they had taken 
refuge. The Iroquois, in the meantime, had overcome and 
reduced to a condition of vassalage all the surrounding 
tribes, and had placed many of them on the Susquehanna 
and in the vicinity of Deahoga, where the great head at 
Onondaga could guard them well, and where in case of 



APPENDIX NO. II 26T 

any lack of allegiance, the numerous warriors could by a 
fleet of swift canoes suddenly sweep down upon them by 
the rivers and speedily and effectually reduce them to 
submission. 

Numerous remnants of tribes were placed in proximity 
to Deahoga, their convenient stronghold; the little villages 
thickly settled the banks of the rivers. Their wigwams 
were easily destroyed in the many wars, so we find at 
various periods portions of many tribes located here, such 
as Delawares, Shawnees, Nanticokes, Mohicans, and many 
of the Cayugas, Senecas, and others of the Six Nations, 
who considered this an important strategic point. Two or 
three miles north and across the Tioga Eiver was, accord- 
ing to Dr. Craft, a settlement of Tutelos, doubtless giving 
the euphonious name Toodletown to the familiar vicinity. 

The long house of the Iroquois extended from the Hud- 
son Eiver to the western lakes. At the east door were the 
Mohawks, at the west the Senecas, and after their con- 
quests on the Susquehanna " Teaoga " was called the 
south door of the Iroquois confederacy. 

Here was stationed a Sachem who guarded this door 
with vigilance, and no one could enter the territory with- 
out his permission. It has been stated that a Cayuga was 
this doorkeeper, but Mr. Lewis Morgan, who was adopted 
into the Seneca nation, states in his " League of the Iro- 
quois,'^ that, " while the Onondagas had charge of the 
council brand and the wampum, and the Mohawks were 
receivers of tribute from subjugated nations, the Senecas 
were the hereditary doorkeepers of the long house, their 
national designation being Ho-nan-ne-ho-ont, the door- 
keeper." 

The name of this Indian town at the south door varied 
with the dialects of the numerous tribes represented there 
at different periods. It was Diahogon — Diahoga — Dehoga 
— Teahoga — Tehoga— Teaoga — Tohecon — Tioga, etc., etc.. 



268 APPENDIX NO. II 

all conveying the same significance, the " opening," " gate," 
or "meeting of the waters." And the hordes of savages 
who have tramped through this narrow passage like the 
neck of an hour-glass, from the great country above, into 
the regions below, have been in number like the sands of 
the sea. 

The trails and war-paths running through the Iroquois 
country all united at this place. The main paths follow- 
ing the Susquehanna and Tioga rivers here connected with 
the Minisink trail leading to the Delaware, and the great 
war-paths running south and west. Mr. Morgan remarks, 
" For centuries upon centuries, and by race after race, these 
old and deeply worn trails had been trod by the red man," 
also, " The convergence of so many trails upon this point 
(Tioga) rendered it an important and well-known locality 
among the Iroquois." 

This great nation claimed all the territory belonging to 
the conquered tribes, and nothing could be done without 
the consent of the ruling powers at Onondaga. In 1737 
Grovernor G-ooch, of Virginia, desired the province of Penn- 
sylvania to mediate between the Six N'ations and the 
southern Indians, Cherokees, Catawbas, etc. 

Conrad Weiser, the famous interpreter, was sent with 
the message from his home in Tulpehocken, Pa., to Onon- 
daga, " 500 miles through a dense wilderness," he stopped 
at " Tehaoga " and gives the following interesting account 
of his entertainment there. This was written in the Ger- 
man and translated — " Indians on the Susquehanna sus- 
tained life by juice from sugar trees. We were ferried in 
a canoe over the Susquehanna to 'Dia-agon/ there are 
many Indians here, Sinicker (Senecas), Gainekers (Ca- 
yugas), and Mohicanders (Mohegans). We went into 
several huts to get food, but they had none for themselves. 
Men off hunting. A Mohicander directed his old gray- 
headed mother to prepare some soup of Indian corn. She 



APPENDIX NO. II 269 

hung a large kettle of it over the fire, and a smaller one 
of potash, and boiled both briskly. She then let the potash 
settle and ponred the clear liquid into the kettle. It took 
the place of meat or grease, making it slippery and pleas- 
ant to eat. A large portion -was given to me and out of 
hunger I ate a portion which was not bad. The filthy cook 
and unclean vessel were more repulsive. I gave the old 
gray-headed woman 24 needles and six shoestrings, and 
begged for Indian bread. She immediately gave me five 
small loaves of about a pound weight, of which Stoffel and 
I ate two the same evening." 

This was the first long journey of Conrad Weiser, but 
his invaluable services frequently brought him on the same 
route after. He was a firm friend of the Indians and often 
mediated between them and the whites. 

In July, 1743, Mr. Weiser was sent again to Onondaga 
with a message from the Governor of Virginia, to arrange 
a place of meeting with the Six Nations in the spring, to 
form a treaty in regard to disputed lands. He was ac- 
companied on this expedition by Mr. John Bartram, a 
distinguished traveler and botanist, who made extensive 
and interesting observations on the journey. As they ap- 
proached this section of country he remarks, " Came to 
the Cayuga branch near a hundreds yards wide, which we 
crossed, then rode near a mile to the town house, bear- 
ing north ; this town is called ' Tohicon,' and lies in a 
rich neck, between the branch and main river. The Indians 
welcomed us by beating their drums as soon as they saw 
us over the branch, and continued beating after the Eng- 
lish manner, as we rode to the house, and while we un- 
saddled our horses, laid in our luggage and entered our- 
selves. The house is about thirty-foot long and the finest 
of any I saw among them. The Indians cut long grass 
and laid it on the floor for us to sit or lie on. Several of 
them came and sat down and smoked their pipes, one of 



S70 APPENDIX NO. II 

•which "was six-foot long, the head of stone, the stem a 
reed. After this they brought victuals in the usual manner. 
The morning was very foggy." They then proceeded on 
their journey to Onondaga. On their return they came 
through Owagan (Owego), where a squaw treated them to 
huckleberries and a large kettle of small hominy, boiled 
in strong venison broth. " A noble entertainment." They 
soon reached again the " Tohicon town on the Cayuga 
branch." " The chief man of the town came to visit us in 
a very friendly manner. Mr. Weiser, the interpreter, told 
him of the success of the expedition to Onondaga, and he 
was pleased with the prospect of peace, and added, when 
he came home, having been absent, his people told him we 
had passed through their town, but that we had not in- 
formed them of our business. This furnished us with an 
instance of the punctilio the Indians constantly treat trav- 
elers with. The people, though earnestly desiring to know 
our commission to Onondaga, would not take the liberty 
to ask us." 

In 1774 the Moravians of Pennsylvania desired to es- 
tablish a mission at Wyoming. Even this step could not 
be taken without obtaining formal permission from Onon- 
daga; with this in view, the perilous expedition was under- 
taken. Bishop Spangenberg, David Zeisberger, Schebosh 
-(a Mohegan), Shikilling, the Iroquois-Cayuga Sachem 
from Shamokin (Sunbury), with his son, probably either 
Logan or Thacknectaris, Andrew, son of Madame Montour, 
ivith interpreter Conrad Weiser, took the trail for Onon- 
daga. On the way the Sachems adopted the envoys into 
the Iroquois confederacy, the Bishop, into the Oneidas, 
clan of the bear, and Zeisberger, who was named Ganous- 
seracheri, into the Onondagas, clan of the turtle, the high- 
est of the clans, thus making him a near kinsman to the 
■same clan in all the other tribes of the confederacy. The 
'distinguished travelers stopped at Teahoga (Tioga Point), 



APPENDIX NO. II 271 

finding "a beautiful tract of land where the Mohegans 
had built a village." While the travelers were preparing to 
pitch their tents, a deputation of head men came out and 
saidj " Brothers, we rejoiced when we saw you approach- 
ing ; our houses are swept ; our beds are prepared ; we have 
hung the kettle over the fire; lodge with us." After being 
refreshed by this hospitality, they renewed their tedious 
journey, and upon reaching Onondaga, obtained permis- 
sion to execute their plans in Wyoming. The adoption of 
these men into the confederacy served them well in the 
times of peril and hardship through which they subse- 
quently passed. Zeisberger later on established a mission 
at Onondaga; he was a celebrated Indian linguist and in 
great ■ favor with the natives. When the children called 
him " Assaroni " (white man), they would say, " ISTo I Gan- 
ousserache is Aquanoschioni (an Iroquois)." In proof of 
the confidence reposed in him by the confederacy it is stated 
in his memoirs that at Onondaga he was entrusted with 
the care of their entire archives, comprising many belts 
and strings of wampum, written treaties, letters from 
•colonial governors, and other documents, which were de- 
posited in the log mission house. 

But perilous times were upon the provinces. From time 
to time the Six Nations had ceded large tracts of land in 
Pennsylvania to the government or Proprietaries. As the 
Indians said, " They buy a small piece of land of us, and 
by stealing, they make it large." A great purchase was 
made in 1754 from the Six Nations and a treaty held at 
Albany, by which the hunting grounds on the west branch 
of the Susquehanna and on the Juniata were taken from 
them. The Delawares and Shawnees living on the east 
branch of the Susquehanna in the neighborhood of Tehoga 
especially felt the loss of the Juniata territory, it having 
been given them by the Iroquois as their hunting ground. 
Terrible hostilities followed, scalping parties were the con- 



272 APPENDIX NO. II 

stant terror of the settlers, the borders were deluged in 
blood. Governor Morris, of Pennsylvania, declared war 
against the Delawares and Shawnees, and offered bounties 
for scalps and prisoners, hoping by exterminating them to 
end the devastations.- Sir William Johnson (Waruch- 
yockon), using his boundless influence with the Iroquois, 
induced them to compel the Delawares and Shawnees, their 
vassals, living on the Susquehanna, to lay down the hatchet. 

Governor Morris, on being informed of this, held a 
council at Philadelphia, and sent a delegation of chiefs and 
an interpreter to make terms of peace. They came up 
the river and held a treaty at Tehoga, returning to Phila- 
delphia and reporting to the council. 

This was a favorite treaty ground; many villages were 
near, and large numbers could convene at short notice, and 
often the women and children also flocked together on these 
occasions, making a grand gala day of it. The colonial 
record says, "At a council held at Philadelphia, June 3, 
1756, present Hon. Robert Hunter Morris, Lieut. Gov., and 
others. Peaceful Indians, Newcastle, Jagrea, William 
Lacquis, and interpreter Conrad Weiser." The Governor 
informed the Indians that he had received their letter by 
express from Bethlehem. 

Jagrea made the opening speech, after the Governor had 
formally received them. Then they desired the interpreter 
who had taken it down in writing to read it and deliver 
the strings (of wampimi) and belts at proper times. It 
began, " We arrived at Wyoming after we slept four nights ; 
found nobody there, so proceeded on till we came to ' Ti- 
agon,' where we found a great number of Indians. We let 
them know we were messengers from the Governor of 
Pennsylvania to the Delaware Indians and others, on the 
Susquehanna, and desired them to order a meeting of all 
their people in that town and neighborhood (gave a 
string)." The runners came back next day and reported 



APPENDIX NO. II 273 

that they had met such and such chiefs, desiring them to 
come to their town, " since they had come so far, they might 
as well come a little farther," which the Pennsylvania 
messengers refused, and said it was customary to transact 
matters of importance and of a publick nature, in the most 
public places, and they insisted, for that reason, that the 
meeting should be at^ " Tiaogon." The answer came back 
next midnight that the chiefs would come to Tiaogon. The 
next day they arrived accordingly, and all the Indians 
met in the afternoon, and Newcastle spoke. " We come 
to you with a very important message from the Governor 
and people of Pennsylvania: we may say from the King 
of Great Britain." He told them how blind they were, as 
if an evil spirit had thrown dust in their eyes. "We by 
this string (of wampum) rub your eyes very hardly. The 
evil spirit has stopped yoiir throat (string), their ears were 
closed, this string would open your ears that you may 
hear." Then Newcastle spoke in behalf of the Governor 
and people of Pennsylvania, complaining of hostilities and 
desiring terms of peace — strings interspersed. 

Answer from Paxinosa, the Shawnees chief, speaker of 
"the Delawares, because " Newcastle talks good Shawnee, 
and Paxinosa talks good Delaware." Their addresses were 
eloquent and ornate. Strings given, others spoke: Dela- 
wares, Memksies, Mohicans, Shawnees. Terms of peace — 
addressed to Brother, the Governor of Pennsylvania. — 
Colonial records of Tiaogon or Diahoga. 

The next spring Louis Montour and others came up to 
Teahoga and invited the Delawares and Six Nations to 
Philadelphia to ratify the treaty of peace to which they had 
agreed. 

There were among them deputies from the Mohawks, 
sent by Sir William Johnson, and others of the Six Na- 
tions. One of the Mohawks said, " When we come by Dea- 
hoga we could not stay in such a hungry country as that 



274 APPENDIX NO. II 

is noW;, they have nothing to eat but walnuts and wild 

potatoes/' and added," we heard that Teedyuscung (King 

V of the Delawares) would soon follow with a great number 

/of Indians/' some from a true love of peace with their 

/ brethren, the English, and some for want of everything, 

/ especially victuals. 

I War had brought its accustomed desolation to Tioga; 
hunting was abandoned while the men were on the war- 
path, and at times there was among the Indians of this 
valley great privation, famine, and distress. 

A little below the present village of Athens, and directly 
opposite the point, was located Queen Esther's town. This 
powerful Queen of the Senecas demands more than a pass- 
ing notice. Greneral John S. Clark, the well-known anti- 
quarian, claims that " Queen Esther was a granddaughter 
of Madame Montour, who was among the famous char- 
acters of our colonial history, whose father was French and 
mother Indian; she was captured near Lake Michigan in 
1694 or 5, when about ten years old, was taken to the upper 
waters of the Susquehanna, and when of mature age 
married Carandowonne, an Iroquois-Oneida chieftain; her 
daughter Margaret was " a marvel in linguistic accomplish- 
ments." About 1752 she returned to Montoursville, Pa., 
where her rtiother had previously lived, and gave the place 
its name. General Clark adds French Margaret had one 
son and two daughters; one daughter, Esther, married the 
Eang of the Monseys, and distinguished herself by her 
fiendishness at Wyoming. The other daughter, Catherine, 
was the somewhat famous queen at the head of Seneca 
Lake, whose place was destroyed by Sullivan in 1779, 
I known as Catherine's town. Queen Esther lived at old 
; Sheshequin (now Ulster) formerly, but about 1773 moved 
up the river opposite Tioga, and built her famous, though 
short-lived, town. Her castle is described as a long low 
edifice, constructed with logs set in the ground at intervals 



APPENDIX NO. II 275 

of ten feet, with horizontal hewn plank neatly set into 
grooves in the posts. It was roofed or thatched and had 
some sort of a porch or other ornament over the doorway. 
This savage queen led the Indian troops at the time of the 
massacre of Wyoming, and with her own hands toma- 
hawked a large number of the prisoners near the fort. 
Her so-called palace, with the entire Indian village, was 
destroyed soon after this terrible event by Colonel Hartley; 
he then crossed the river and reached Tioga. The Indians 
fled before him ; he laid waste the old town and Tioga was 
never rebuilt. 

Only four months after the battle of Wyoming, when 
■'600 warriors went down the river from Tioga, was the 
equally tragic massacre of Cherry Valley, which was de- 
termined upon at a "great meeting of Tories and Indians 
at Tioga." Butler, with his rangers, and Thayendanegea, 
Captain Joseph Brant, with his Indians, accomplished the 
devastation of that charming valley. The surviving pris- 
oners, refined women, brave men, and helpless children, 
after the massacre began their weary pilgrimage, among 
them Mrs. Campbell, of historic fame, whose aged mother 
was towahawked before her eyes, being unable to keep up 
with the wretched procession. 

Their route was the old trail where prisoners with their 
cruel Indian captors had traveled ages before: down the 
Susquehanna to Tioga, then up the Tioga and Genesee 
Elvers to Niagara, the grand rendezvous of the Tories and 
Indians, with no hope or expectation but to die in the 
gauntlet which they were obliged to run for the amusement 
of the savages at the different villages where they stopped, 
by torture, or be subject to a fate but little better, to 
be distributed and adopted among the Indian clans. Many 
wretched prisoners wended their weary way to old Tioga. 
It is well such hopelessness and despair cannot be recalled 
or pictured. 



276 APPENDIX NO. II 

" No pen or brush cati tell the tale, 
The sorrows of this lovely vale." 



The journals of the officers connected with the expedition 
of General Sullivan, passing through this valley and up 
into the Iroquois country in 1779, have thrown much light 
on this favorite rendezvous of the Indians, as well as on 
their habits and customs. 

The army coming up from below, and having forded the 
Susquehanna into Queen Esther's flats, marched a short 
distance, then crossed the Tioga or Chemung Kiver, and 
came into the old Indian town of Tioga, lying in the arms 
of the rivers at " the gate." The town was de'serted, and 
the soldiers pitched their tents on the banks of the two 
rivers, near the point. Small parties of Indians annoyed 
them by " creeping up through the high grass on the west 
side.'' 

They killed and scalped a man who was driving 
some horses. Lieutenant Beatty's Journal says, " August 23 
or 24, 1779: to-day we lay at Tioga; went to see an "old 
Indian burying-ground which lay just by our camp. There 
was about a hundred graves, some of which our men had 
dug up. They buried their dead very curious, after this 
manner : They dig a hole the length of the person they are 
to bury, and about two feet deep ; they lay him on his back 
in the grave, with an old blanket-coat around him, and lay 
bark over the grave, even with the surface of the earth, so 
as to prevent the earth from touching the body; then they 
heap up the dirt on top of the grave in a round heap, which 
is from four to six feet high, but the graves is very old 
and a number of them, as this formerly was a very capital 
town." 

Major ISTorris wrote, " Our soldiers dug up several of 
their graves and found a good many laughable relics, as 
a pipe, tomahawk, beads, etc." This manner of burying 



APPENDIX NO. II 277 

and of forming the large round mound is of great an- 
tiquit}^ Fort Sullivan was located above the encampment, 
and where the two rivers for about fifty-five rods run 
within two hundred yards of each other, forming a narrow 
neck of land, then stretching out below and coming to a 
point nearly in the shape of a heart. The fort was built 
on the lower part of this narrow neck, and in the form of 
a diamond, the two obtuse angles resting, one on the bank 
of the river Just below the present Chemung bridge, and 
the other directly on the Susquehanna; the two acute 
angles were about the middle of what is now Main street, 
each point being within the two slight elevations plainly 
visible, the north point only a few rods south of the academy 
grounds. It was described as " a fine stokade, with block- 
houses at each angle." Here was collected a force of five 
thousand men, nearly one-third of the entire Continental 
Army, consisting of Sullivan's division from Easton, 
General Poor, with his ISTew Hampshire brigade, and 
General James Clinton, who came with 208 boats from 
Otsego Lake after having produced the great rise in the 
lake by damming it up. When the obstruction was re- 
moved he, with his fleet, floated down the Susquehanna to 
Tioga, where they were received " with a salute of 13 
cannon, and a tune on Col. Proctor's band of musick." 
Sullivan's oflQcers refer also to an " old Indian carrying- 
place'' near the fort, evidently where the rivers approach 
each other the nearest. There they carried their boats 
across from river to river to save going around the point. 
This place was probably near where the academy and 
Spaulding library are located. At the fort was left a garri- 
son of 250 or more men, under Colonel Shreeve, and it 
was the distributing point for the army while on its march 
up into the Iroquois country. 

The first engagement was in Chemung, a few miles 
above, where there were " about forty houses built chiefly 



278 APPENDIX NO. II 

with split and hewn timber, covered with bark and some 
other rough materials, without chimneys or floors. There 
were two larger houses, which from some extraordinary 
rude decorations we took to be public buildings. There 
was little furniture left in the houses, except bear skins, 
some painted feathers, and knickknacks. In what we sup- 
posed to be a chapel, was found, indeed, an idol, which 
might well enough be worshipped without a breach of the 
second commandment on account of its likeness to any- 
thing either in Heaven or earth." 

Another officer wrote of " seeing at several of the deserted 
towns, two dogs hung up on poles twelve or fifteen feet 
high, as sacrifice after a defeat, to appease the wrath of 
their god. The skin of one to be converted into a jacket, 
and the other into a tobacco pouch for the deity." 

After an absence of only five weeks, when the army re- 
turned to Port Sullivan at Tioga, they were received with 
great rejoicing and a grand entertainment was given the 
officers, closing with an Indian war dance, the young 
Oneida Sachem who returned with them acting as master 
of ceremonies. General Sullivan, in his report to Congress 
after his expedition, dated at " Teaogo, Sept. 30, 1779," 
wrote, "We have not left a single settlement or field of 
corn in the country of the Five Nations, nor is there even 
the appearance of an Indian on this side of ISTiagara." A 
few Indians were killed and none brought back as prisoners 
with the conquering hero. They had fled before the army 
and taken refuge at Niagara. 

The great Mohawk chief, Joseph Brant, or Thayendan- 
egea, was not to be so easily driven from his old rendezvous 
Tioga, his summer headquarters. The next spring eleven 
of his warriors made a second attack on Minisink. As 
the year previous, 1779, they returned with the prisoners 
to Tioga, so this time their captives were five brave men, 
who were brought to the same place, and while the chiefs 



APPENDIX NO. II 279 

slept extricated themselves and seizing the tomahawks 
from the belts of the sleeping warriors, quickly put ten of 
them to death, the prisoners escaped. Brant soon after 
arrived at Tioga from Harpersfield with a company of 
weary and worn prisoners, so heavily laden with the booty 
that they had nearly fallen by the way. Fortunately for 
them, so sadly needing rest, the Mohawk chief was taken 
with fever and ague, and stopped at Tioga till he should 
recover. In this dilemma he made his own prescription: 
he succeeded in capturing a rattlesnake, had it made into 
soup, of which he partopk freely, and recovered. 

About a year after Sullivan had reported to Congress 
from Tioga, that there was " not even the appearance of 
an Indian this side of Niagara," — behold! Brant and 
Cornplanter (the great Seneca chief), with an army of 
from eight to fifteen hundred Indians " chiefly collected 
at Tioga." The excited warriors, bent on destruction, 
followed the war-path up the Susquehanna and were met 
by Sir John Johnson with his Tory troops. The united 
forces plunged into the region above, invaded Schoharie, 
and carried death and devastation through the Mohawk 
valley, such as had not been known before, and had their 
surfeit of vengeance, a desire for which had rankled in 
their bosoms, and had been their one purpose, since the 
destruction of their ancestral homes, by the expedition of 
General Sullivan into the Iroquois country. 

We have now a chapter associated with old Tioga, which 
fills the reader with disgust and horror. It is given for 
truth by " the Eememberancer, an impartial and authentic | 
collection of facts published in London, 1782," and re- 1 
produced by such writers as B. B. Thatcher and W. W. ^ 
Campbell, faithful students of Indian life. Indeed, there 
seems after the constant scenes of torture and death as 
depicted in our Colonial records, no reason to doubt its 
truth. 



280 APPENDIX NO. II 

Extract of a letter from Captain Courish, of the 'New 
England Militia, dated Albany, March 7, 1782 :— 

" The peltry taken in the expedition, will, as you see, 
amount to a good deal of money. — The possession of this 
booty at first gave us pleasure, but we were struck with 
horror, to find among the packages, eight large ones con- 
taining scalps of our unhappy folks taken in the three last 
years by the Seneca Indians from the inhabitants of the 
frontiers of New York, ISTew Jersey, Penn., and Va., and 
sent by them as a present to Col. Haldimand, Gov. of 
Canada, in order to be by him transmitted to England. 
They were accompanied by the following curious letter to 
that gentleman: 

" Dated Tioga, January 3, 1783. 
*^j May it please your Excellency, — 

I " At the request of the Seneca chiefs, I send herewith 
to your Excellency under the care of James Bold, eight 
packs of scalps cured, dried, hooped, and painted with all 
the Indian triumphal marks, of which the following is 
invoice and explanation. — 

" No. 1. Containing forty-three scalps of Congress 
soldiers, killed in different skirmishes; these are stretched 
on black hoops, four-inch diameter; the inside of the 
skin painted red, with a small black spot to note their 
being killed with bullets. Also 62 of farmers, killed in 
their houses; the hoops red; the skin painted brown and 
marked with a hoe; a black circle all round to denote their 
being surprised in the night; and a black hatchet in the 
middle signifying their being killed with that weapon. 

" No. 2. Containing 98 of farmers killed in their houses ; 
hoops red; figure of a hoe to mark their profession; great 
white circle and sun to show they were surprised in the 
day time; a little red foot, to show they stood upon their 
defense and died fighting for their wives and families. 



APPENDIX NO. II 281 

" No. 3. Containing 97 of farmers; hoops green, to show 
they were killed in their j&elds; a large white circle with a 
little round mark on it for the sun, to show that it was in 
the day time; black bullet mark on sun — hatchet on others. 

" No. 4. Containing 102 of farmers mixed of the several 
marks above; only 18 marked with a little yellow flame, to 
denote their being of prisoners burnt alive, after being 
scalped, their nails pulled out by the roots, and other 
torments; one of these latter supposed to be of a rebel 
clergyman, his band being fixed to the hoop of his scalp. 
Most of the farmers appeared by the hair to have been 
young or middle-aged men; their being but 67 very gray 
heads among them all; which makes the service more 
essential. 

"No. 5,' Containing 88 scalps of women; hair long, 
braided in the Indian fashion to show they were mothers; 
hoops blue; skin yellow ground with little red tadpoles, to 
represent by way of triumph, the tears of grief occasioned 
to their relatives; a black scalping-knife or hatchet at the 
bottom, to mark their being killed with those instruments ; 
17 others hair very gray; black hoops; plain brown color, 
no mark but the short club or cassetete, to show they were 
knocked down dead, or had their brains beat out. 

"No. 6. Containing 193 boys' scalps, of various ages; 
small green hoops; whitish ground on the skin, with red 
tears in the middle and black bullet marks, knife, hatchet, 
or club, as their deaths happened. 

"No. 7, 211 girls' scalps, big and little; small yellow 
hoops; white ground; tears, hatchet, club, scalping-knife, 
etc. 

" No. 8. This package is a mixture of all the varieties 
above mentioned, to the number of 122; with a box of 
birch bark, containing 29 little infant scalps of various 
sizes ; small white hoops ; white ground. — With these packs 
the chiefs send to your Excellency the following speech, 



282 APPENDIX NO. II 

delivered by Coneiogatchie in council, interpreted by the 
elder Moore, the trader, and taken down by me in -writing : 

" ' Father ! — We send yon herewith many scalps, that 
you may see we are not idle friends — a blue belt. 

" ' Father ! — We wish you to send these scalps over the 
water to the Great King, that he may regard them and 
be refreshed; and that he may see our faithfulness in de- 
stroying his enemies, and be convinced that his presents 
have not been made to ungrateful people — a blue and white 
belt with little tassels. 

" ' Father ! — Attend to what I am now going to say ; it 
is a matter of much weight. The Great King's enemies 
are many and they grow fast in number. They were form- 
erly like young panthers; they could neither bite nor 
scratch ; we could play with them safely, we feared nothing 
they could do to us. — But now their bodies have become 
big as the elk, and strong as the buffalo; they have also 
got great and sharp claws. They have driven us out of 
our country by taking part in your quarrel. We expect 
the great King will give us another country, that our 
children may live after us, and be his friends and children 
as we are. Say this for us to the great King. To enforce 
it we give this belt. A great white belt with blue tassels. 

" ' Father ! — We have only to say further, that your 
traders exact more than ever for their goods; and our 
hunting is lessened by the war, so that we have fewer skins 
to give for them. This ruins us. Think of some remedy. 
We are poor and you have plenty of everything. We know 
you will send us powder and guns, and knives, and 
hatchets; but we also want shirts and blankets — a little 
white belt.' 

" I do not doubt but that your Excellency will think it 
proper to give some further encouragement to these honest 
people. The high prices they complain of, are the neces- 
sary effect of the war. What ever presents may be sent 



APPENDIX NO. II 283 

for them through my hands shall be distributed with pru- 
dence and fidelity. I have the honor of being your Ex- 
cellency's most obedient, and most humble servant. 

"James Craufued." 

However repulsive such an account may be, it is of inter- 
est in the description of preparing and preserving the 
scalps, and the indications of the various emblems by 
which they were classified. It would appear that Tioga 
Point, up to this date, 1782, was a British post, as this 
great invoice of goods, certainly not of Continental manu- 
facture, would indicate. Soon after this, 1784, the place 
was occupied by the white settlers, and the present town 
surveyed by John Jenkins in 1786. 

The remarkable formation known as Spanish Hill, sit- 
uated almost on the boundary line of New York and Penn- 
sylvania, has excited a vast amount of interest and specula- 
tion. Some suppose it to have been thrown up by the 
early Spanish adventurers who entered the Chesapeake and 
followed the course of the Susquehanna to Tioga, and that 
they, or the early Susquehannocks, designed it as a defense 
against the Iroquois on the north. The Due de la Eoche- 
foucauld Liancourt, who traveled extensively in this coun- 
try in 1795, makes the following interesting comments: 

" Near the confines of Pennsylvania, a mountain rises 
from the bank of the river Tioga, in the shape of a sugar 
loaf, upon which are seen the remains of some entrench- 
ments. These the inhabitants call the ' Spanish ram- 
parts,' but I rather judge them to have been thrown up 
against the Indians in the time of M. de ISTonville. One 
perpendicular breastwork is yet remaining, which though 
covered with grass and bushes, plainly indicates that a 
parapet and a ditch have been constructed here." — Al- 
though doubtless Spanish Hill has been a defense in time 
of war, the modern geologist decides it to be a natural 



284 APPENDIX NO. II 

formation of the glacial period, as others similar are found, 
though perhaps none of so perfect a form. For many 
years before the Indians departed from the valley, not one 
was willing to ascend the hill, as it was said the one who 
had last gone to the summit was never seen again, and was 
supposed to have been spirited away. 

Champlain sent out in 1615, to the great town of Caran- 
touan containing more than eight hundred warriors, located 
on and near Spanish Hill, to obtain a force to assist him 
in an attack against the Onondagas. At remote periods 
Indian settlements have been numerous in the vicinity, and 
at a recent date remains of an Indian village were found 
on the west side, with portions of an old stone fireplace, 
charcoal beds, numerous arrow points, pieces of pottery, 
fire-stones, and other relics — indicating that it was a very 
ancient and closely inhabited locality. 

Mr. Josiah Priest, in the American Antiquities, suggests 
that Spanish Hill was an effort of Scandinavian defense 
against the Indians, dating back to the tenth century, and 
that these people were destroyed by the surrounding tribes 
after a fierce struggle. 

This spot has always been associated with Indian tradi- 
tions and is of interest to the archeological student of the 
present day. 

The last treaty held at Tioga was between the Six 
Nations and the United States Govermnent, represented 
by Colonel Timothy Pickering. The council fire was kin- 
dled JSTovember 16, 1790, and was kept burning seven days. 
Sixteen hundred Indians, many of them noted chiefs, were 
present. 

Of this great historical event, a full account is given in 
" Early Times." This striking and picturesque assembly 
of men, women, and children was held on the Susque- 
hanna, back of the present stone Episcopal church, on a 
plot of ground now nearly washed away, and was the last 



APPENDIX NO. II 285 

great gathering of Indians held at Tioga Point. Their 
quest again was unsuccessful; the little flame of hope 
■which had heen rekindled in their breasts burned low ; the 
last spark finally disappeared; and in despair they turned 
away from the ancient home of their fathers and wandered 
hopelessly toward the setting sun. 

The few who remained after the treaty soon also dis- 
appeared, and their many relics and burial places alone 
were left to tell the story of the populous races who had 
dwelt on the Susquehanna at Tioga Point. Numerous 
Indian graves have been discovered from time to time; in 
several instances they have been found one upon another, 
indicating that more than one race had here deposited their 
dead. Indeed the busy throngs of this thriving valley are 
daily treading upon the ashes of countless nations, thought- 
less of their happy homelife in the valley they loved, as 
well as of their fierce and warlike deeds of past ages. 

Could the spirit of an ancient Brave but leave the happy- 
hunting ground to visit once more his well-loved home at 
/" the meeting of the waters," he would not tarry long, for 
/ civilization has driven the game from the forests, and the 
fish from the streams. The engine rushes down the course 
of the war-path and through the many trails. 

/ 
" The little cone-like cabins that clustered o'er the vale, j 

Have disappeared as withered leaves before the autumn gale." 

And nothing could the wanderer call his, save the beau- 
tiful Susquehanna and the everlasting hills. 







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